The Dundalk Blackrock Decarbonising Zone was officially launched at the Oriel Centre in Dundalk on Monday, 9 November.
As part of its Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, Louth County Council has designated Dundalk and Blackrock as a Decarbonising Zone, where it will pilot and deliver enhanced climate action measures in partnership with local communities, businesses and other stakeholders. The area is home to approximately 45,044 people, representing 32% of County Louth’s population.
The project is supported by M-CO, a strategic design and project management consultancy with expertise in sustainability, and funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment through the Decarbonising Demonstrator Fund.
Decarbonising Zones have been established by local authorities across Ireland to demonstrate what can be achieved through local climate action. They act as test beds for projects that reduce emissions, improve sustainability and support national climate targets.
The vision for the Dundalk Blackrock Decarbonising Zone is for the area to become a leader in climate action in County Louth through practical, flexible and community-driven initiatives. It aims to put the area on a path to meet Ireland’s target of reducing carbon emissions by 51% by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050. It will also encourage greater awareness, participation and innovation across the community.
The success of the initiative will depend on strong collaboration between residents, businesses, community organisations, educational institutions and public bodies. One of the first actions taken by the Council was to establish a dedicated working group representing the public, private, community and education sectors. The group will help guide climate action across the Decarbonising Zone.
A new brand identity has also been developed for the Dundalk Blackrock Decarbonising Zone, along with a voluntary Climate Action Charter. Individuals, businesses and organisations can sign the Charter to demonstrate their commitment to positive climate action.
The launch event opened with remarks from Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council. Attendees then took part in a guided tour of the recently retrofitted County Archives building, led by Padraig O’Hora, Senior Executive Engineer with Louth County Council. The tour highlighted the benefits of improving the energy performance of existing buildings.
The event also featured a keynote address by Padraig Fallon, Chairperson of GAA Green Clubs and Chair of Facilities at Dundalk Golf Club, followed by a panel discussion titled ‘What does decarbonising look like?’
Hosted by Caoimhín Corrigan, Director, M-CO, Rory Sheehan, Climate Action Coordinator with Louth County Council, was joined by Bernadine Quinn, Manager of Outcomers, and Aidan Harte, owner of The Business Centre, who discussed the energy supports their organisations had accessed.
A question-and-answer session followed before attendees learned more about the Climate Action Charter from Ruth Buggie, Head of Mobility and Smart Networks, SEAI, and were invited to consider the climate actions they could take in their communities, workplaces and homes.
Opening the event, Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “This is an important day for Dundalk, Blackrock and County Louth. The purpose of this initiative is simple: to show how local communities can work together to reduce carbon emissions, improve sustainability and create a better future for everyone.
“Our vision is for Dundalk and Blackrock to become leaders in local climate action through practical, community-led initiatives. By working together, we can reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, support biodiversity, encourage sustainable travel and build a healthier, more resilient community.”
Rory Sheehan, Climate Action Coordinator, Louth County Council, said: “In terms of geography and population size, the Dundalk Blackrock Decarbonising Zone is the largest in the country, so this is a real statement of intent by Louth County Council. Whether you are a resident, business owner, student or community volunteer, everyone has a role to play. By working together, we can make a real difference and create a more sustainable future for Dundalk, Blackrock and County Louth.”
David Hanratty, Acting Director of Services, Louth County Council, added: “Louth County Council is committed to leading by example. Across the county, we are investing in renewable energy, retrofitting buildings and moving towards lower-emission vehicles.
“The Decarbonising Zone allows us to build on that work and support residents, businesses and community groups to take practical climate action. I would encourage people across Dundalk and Blackrock to get involved and play their part in the years ahead.”
