Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The initial question referred to the overall strategy for the decarbonisation of society. Action 165 of the climate action plan specifically requires the identification of one location or area in a local authority that will be subject to a plan for a decarbonisation zone. Thereafter, follow-up steps could include harnessing the potential to develop a low-carbon town project for future calls under the climate action fund. The early progression of decarbonisation projects harnesses a range of technologies and incentives that will be subject to a mid-project review by the local authority. Each local authority has been requested to identify before 30 April 2021 a potential area suitable for selection as a decarbonisation zone. Each application should be accompanied by a broad outline of the main projects that could be implemented in the zone and an indication of the potential outcomes deliverable in terms of the reductions in carbon emissions, while recognising that the precise details should be included in each local authority's climate plan. At a minimum, these outcomes must be capable of meeting the Government's targets for carbon emission reductions as set out. Specifically, they must meet a 7% reduction overall in greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030.

See this speech in context