Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure what the idea is of asking a question and when I give a direct answer the Deputy asks the same question again. She has asked me whether a legal direction has been issued. What I told her is that I know the guidelines were circulated last Friday but I do not know whether they constitute a legal direction. I will find out and come back to her. That is really all I can say on that.

In regard to decarbonisation zones, there is a five-stage process on this: to identify and define the decarbonisation zones, set out a vision and objectives, baseline and scope to establish the emission inventory policy context on alignment; to identify and map the stakeholders; to register opportunities; to compile a portfolio of actions, projects, technologies and interventions; and then to set out the actions to be achieved and devise a strategy for implementation. This will be a distinct component of the local authority climate action plan. As a delineated area with specifically targeted interventions it will have a clear-cut focus. It will be presented in a separate chapter and section in each local authority climate action plan. That is what the guidelines sent around last Friday include.

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