Written answers

Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Climate Action Plan

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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176. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of submissions made to the public consultation on the Climate Conversation - Climate Action Plan 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30655/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Public Consultation - Climate Conversation - Climate Action Plan 2021was launched on 23 March 2021 and ran for a period of 8 weeks until 18 May 2021. The purpose was to invite citizens and stakeholders to submit their views on climate change and inform the new Climate Action Plan 2021.The consultation was widely advertised and over 3,800 submissions were received through the online conversation, including: people from all age cohorts; a mix of urban, rural, and suburban; representation from every county in Ireland; environmental activists; and those with no affiliation.

In addition, there was meaningful engagement with over 200 citizens through 16 Public Participation Networks; over 100 young people from 12 Comhairle na nÓg groups; and over 70 people of all ages, from 12 years and upwards through in-depth conversations.

A call for expert evidence was also run in parallel with the Climate Conversation asking climate scientists, experts and industry to share their data-based, technical proposals to support the development of the Plan.  Over 200 responses were received in relation to this strand.

While the submissions are now being analysed in detail, initial examination shows that the vast majority recognise climate change as a serious threat, want action, and appreciate that everyone in society has a role to play in delivering this. These views will be reflected in the draft of the Climate Action Plan 2021, with a full report due to be published in the coming weeks.

Going forward, there will be on-going dialogue with citizens including an annual public consultation, administered through the National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA), with the outputs incorporated into the annual Climate Action Plan.

Following on from the successful piloting of the NDCA between 2017 and 2019, a enduring structure for the NDCA is being finalised. The strengthened NDCA will create an on-going process of awareness raising, engagement and activation of citizens in relation to the opportunities and challenges involved in addressing climate change, including empowering them to participate in the co-design of climate policies and plans. The NDCA will represent a major step-up in engagement with citizens, communities, and young people to deliver on climate change through collective action.

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