John McGahon (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Carroll for appearing today before the committee.

I have three short questions, which relate to the local authority climate action plan and the role local authorities will play. I am sure the many of us in this room who have served on local authorities will confirm that different local authorities have differing levels of ability with regard to preparing things. What happens if a local authority does not provide a climate action plan for what it will do in its authority area? What happens if the plan it provides is substandard? The level of ability varies between local authorities so who will check that plan to make sure it is up to a proper standard? Will the Department or the Climate Change Advisory Council provide support and assistance to councils in developing the plan in the first instance?