Waterford plans to become Ireland’s first Zero-Carbon city as Ireland debates the Climate Bill.
Waterford TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh declared a Landmark Day for Waterford and Climate Action with the announcement that Waterford plans to become Ireland’s first Zero-Carbon city on the same day that Ireland debates the Climate Bill in the Dáil. He spoke after the launch of the ‘Waterford 2040-Find your Future’ strategy which was launched in Waterford with An Tánaiste Leo Varadker and which pledges to make Waterford a ‘Decarbonizing Zone’ or Carbon Neutral city. The announcement came the same week as Earth Day and the Leaders Summit on Climate which will be hosted by US President Joe Biden.
“Waterford is our oldest city so it is fitting that Waterford will be the first city to become Carbon Neutral and lead the way for others to follow. We have immense potential throughout the city and county set ourselves apart from other parts of Ireland and lead on decarbonisation and sustainability. We can become a leader in sustainability and everyone will benefit as we see our city and county become an even more attractive place to live, work, visit, invest, study and enjoy.”
“As the Climate Bill reaches second stage in the Dáil, we know that a collective effort is required for Ireland to meet our emissions targets and there will be changes to how we all live our lives. The Climate Bill commits to transitioning Ireland to a climate resilient, biodiversity-rich, environmentally sustainable and climate-neutral economy by 2050. But with change comes opportunity and Waterford will build on that opportunity through ‘Waterford 2040-Find your Future’. Waterford has been described as ‘Ireland’s Most Liveable Place’ which wouldn’t come as a surprise to those of us lucky enough to live here but this makes it an ideal place to invest and for international businesses to set up a base as we lead with the Green economy and end up with a Green Society where no-one is left behind.”
Paying tribute to the work of Waterford Council CEO Michael Walsh, Deputy Ó Cathasaigh said: “Full credit is due to Michael Walsh, the CEO of Waterford City & County council for his vision and his leadership in getting us to this stage and I commend all who worked on the Waterford 2040 project bringing it to this stage. Waterford has so much to offer. A city that’s not too big and not too small, a highly educated work force, and natural beauty second-to-none with one beach more beautiful than the next. We have a world class tourism offering, a rich history, beautiful towns and villages, a thriving arts and food culture, great people and so much more. Our city and county were left behind by successive governments but I am very pleased to see that Waterford is at a key turning point now and there will be opportunities for our people in the coming months and years. Waterford has a very bright and green future as we lead the way for others to follow in a new world.”
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/984d2-climate-action-and-low-carbon-development-amendment-bill-2020/
The Climate Action Plan is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ccb2e0-the-climate-action-plan-2019/
