Brid McAuley sent us thier latest news:
Westport Eco-Congregation has been encouraging our community to have a greener Christmas. Through social media, local paper and parish Newsletter we have been giving the public ideas and tips on how to support the circular economy. We have placed weekly messages on ideas for a greener Christmas by shopping local and giving gifts of PRESENCE rather than presents. Westport Eco Congregation recently made submissions to our local authority on a Proposed local transport plan and a Climate action plan for our county.
It is, as the Framework of Climate Actions says AMBITIOUS, but then nothing short of ambition will work to produce the VISION of Co Mayo, as stated in the draft copy. Our climate is in dire straits, so we all need to commit as fully as possible to implementing the suggestions in this document. But each community needs the help of our Local Authority to bring these to fruition. We need ongoing training, as well as professional and financial support to carry out the changes that are necessary. We also need our Co Council to play its part in the area of Transport infrastructure, as per the recent Mayo Co Council Transport Action plan. But the best outcome will be a collaboration between communities and the local authorities.
We commend the plan to expand the Decarbonising Community Network to future proof our communities. Hopefully, this can happen sooner rather than later.
We note the Key Performance Indicators that will be used to assess progress, but while accountability is mentioned, who will be responsible for ensuring that progress is made? Without some level of accountability, with the Chief Executive of the Council or other, could this Local Climate Action Plan become just another file gathering dust, while the county of Mayo, with its long coastal exposure, faces the horrors of the many climate crises we are (and will) experiencing.
Again, thank you to Mayo Co Council Climate Action department for the trojan work you have put into bringing this draft plan to print. Thank you also for the well delivered explanation of this plan at local level recently. We look forward to working with Mayo Co Council in ensuring that we can future proof our beautiful county for generations to come.