Laois climate action plan predicts more frequent floods, droughts and heatwaves

Laois has drafted its first ever Climate Action Plan to try to lessen the impacts of climate change over the next six years, with public days ahead to view it and suggest changes.

The legally required plan sets out steps to try and meet an ambitious target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030, all the while as the county grows in population.

Laois is emitting an estimated 1.4 million tonnes of carbon per year at the moment, a quarter of it from transport, and nearly half from agriculture at 49%. Another 16% is from residential, and 8% is commercial/industrial.

The plan is based on a Climate Change Risk Assessment report for Laois up to 2050 that predicts that floods will continue to rise towards near catastrophic levels.

Droughts and heatwaves will become more severe, while wind storms will remain steady, and cold spells and heavy snows will happen less often.

The frequency of heavy rainfall days (more than 30mm) in some areas is projected to rise up to 51% by mid-century, which the plan says will “potentially contribute to an increase in the frequency of river and pluvial flooding”.

Laois County Council must follow national direction to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions, currently 4,161 tonnes per year, right down to 1,288 tonnes by 2030.

They set out seven goals that the will aim to reach. Firstly to achieve their own emission target and set an example to the county.

Secondly to mobilise the Community, Voluntary, and Business sectors to deliver local actions. Thirdly to give leadership in Laois and further afield on climate change matters.

The fourth goal is through Active Travel, Environmental Awareness, and other programmes, to enhance opportunities for individuals to choose the better, climate friendly, options.

Next is to make the county more resilient through a range of climate adaptation measures. Second last is recognising that climate change affects some communities more than others, and to apply the principles of “Just Transition” in Laois County Council operations.

The final goal is to see opportunities for business and improvement of life such as cleaner air, which may arise through climate mitigation and change.

How they plan to do this is set out in 111 separate actions listed in the lengthy plan.

Amongst them, the council aims to establish the new Portlaoise bus route in the lifetime of the plan. It will do a feasibility study for a solar panel farm at Kyletalesha landfill.

A bike share scheme will be established in towns above 5,000 population, which means Portlaoise and Portarlington, and the council will support a pilot ‘bike library’ as well. It will carry on the change of yellow streetlights to white low energy LEDs to reach 94% of lights by 2029.

It will increase the money spent on cleaning gullies and rivers and fixing bridges, to stay at 1% above inflation.

By 2027 the council aims to have at least one of its own heavy trucks converted to run on vegetable oil or on compressed natural gas.

It will develop a Tree Strategy to protect and maintain native trees, and plant trees for shade in ten housing estates, and plans to reduce use of chemical pesticides and herbicides.

There is an action plan especially for Portlaoise inside the county document. More below image.

A future image of a greener Lyster Square in Portlaoise.

Portlaoise is already the pilot as Ireland’s Low Carbon Town, but it will get further investment to go greener, as the council has chosen it to also be the county’s Decarbonising Zone, a Government requirement of every council.

The town which grew by a third since 2006 up to nearly 24,000 residents, is expected to hit 30,000 by 2040, and the zoning will further “propel Portlaoise towards a future that is resilient, green, and prosperous”.

The town emits 146,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the air per annum. Transport accounts for almost 60,000 of that, residential 39,000, commercial and public sector 38,200, agriculture 5,300 and industrial and waste 3,000 each.

More actions will be taken to encourage people out of cars to use public transport or walk and cycle. A District Heating study will also be carried out.

Laois County Council CEO John Muholland and Cathaoirleach Cllr Paschal McEvoy welcomed the plan.

“Our mission is to lead by example, reducing emissions, and embracing climate change adaptation as we work towards a sustainable and low-carbon future for Laois.

Massive Celtic Tiger scale estate approved in Laois means new roundabout near Portlaoise hospital

“We take this commitment seriously and understand its significance in addressing the pressing issues associated with climate change.

“The future we envision is one of resilience, sustainability, and prosperity for all who call Laois home. Together, we will make it a reality,” the CEO and Cathaoirleach say in a joint opening statement.

Ireland has a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The draft plan can be viewed online here.

The plan will also be on display in libraries with council staff to answer questions, check and Laois Live for details.