Page 12 - Chief Executive Report - April 2022

ENVIRONMENT

Climate Action
One of the main requirements of Local Authorities under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development
Act adopted in 2021 is the preparation of Climate Action Plans setting out how they will reduce the Green
House Gas (GHG) emissions associated with the delivery of their services by an average of 7% per annum
and by 51% overall by 2030. The Climate Action Region Offices (CAROs) are working with the CCMA
and with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) to agree the scope of the
Climate Action Plans and to develop appropriate guidance for the sector.
It is expected that towards the last quarter of 2022 the Minister will sign the Order requesting Local
Authorities to commence the preparation of their Climate Action Plan for the next five years. In the interim,
the Council will be commencing the process and working with the 3CEA in ensuring that the required
baseline data is captured and accurately assessed. The Council is also currently in the process of
recruiting a Climate Action Specialist to lead the development of the Climate Action Plan.

Smarter Travel Initiatives
Over 100 Kilkenny County Council employees participated in the Marchathon step challenge run by
the National Transport Authority as part of a Smarter Travel Initiative for the month of March. Kilkenny
County Council were awarded a co-ordinator prize for the running of this initiative and their huge support
and participation in the challenge. The initiative was to encourage staff to increase their daily step count,
choose walking instead of driving, lead by example and reduce their carbon emissions in the process.
The “cycle at work scheme” is due to be rolled out shortly with five bikes being purchased for staff to use at
work as a means of transport when the opportunity arises. Our Cycling Officer has also recently purchased
three e-bikes funded by Active Travel. Workshops will be arranged where these bikes will be used for
demonstrations throughout the County and with employers and business’s in an effort to promote and
encourage the use of e-bikes and carbon free travel. These e-bikes will also be made available for trial by
those staff that may be interested.
Recommended Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections (RMCEI) – AIR Noise & Water 2022
The proposed inspections for Air Noise and Water in 2022 are summarised on the table below
Air Noise Water Incl. Planning (Planning Referrals) Planned

6.4 Routine Water / Wastewater Inspections* 1,586

6.5 Non-Routine Water / Wastewater Inspections (typically Complaint 51
related)

6.6 Routine Air / Noise Inspections 70

6.7 Non-Routine Air / Noise Inspections (typically Complaint related) 38

6.9 Planning (Environmental) Inspections (Routine) 1,150

Total Air Noise & Water Inspections 2,895

* Includes Farm & Domestic Wastewater Treatment Inspections.
2,895 inspections under the Air Noise and Water remit above represents approximately 60% of the total
planned RMCEI in 2022. Overall there is a 5% increase in the number of planned inspections under Air
Noise and Water from 2021 to 2022.

The number of Domestic Wastewater Treatment Inspections (DWWTS) has increased under the new
National Inspection Plan (NIP) 2022 to 2026, from 29 to 42 required inspections annually. Around 30
of these inspections in 2022 will be in the Shellumsrath and Brooklawn locations in Kilkenny. DWWTS
Inspections under the RMCEI plan have commenced at these locations. Reports and Advisory letters (if
required) will be issued to homeowners in due course. It is noted that Homeowners may be eligible to apply
for grants for work. Any queries as regards grant eligibility should be sent to environment@kilkennycoco.ie.
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