Public asked to get involved

A truthful document that isn’t full of spin is how one Green Party councillor has described a 112 page climate change report.

At a special meeting of Cork City Council, councillors gave the green light for the draft document to go out for public consultation with council officials defining it as a major step in addressing the global challenge that is climate change.

The draft Climate Change Adaption Strategy was mulled over by councillors with most of them hailing the document while also hoping that the public make their feelings known about it.

During the special meeting, Green Party Cllr Oliver Moran said that the document "wasn’t perfect,” but that he liked that it could be amended as time goes on to see what does and doesn’t work. He said: “It’s a truthful document, it’s not one that’s full of spin.”

Fine Gael Cllr Des Cahill said that his party welcomed the document and said that there was a need for the public to get involved.

Cllr Tony Fitzgerald with the Fianna Fáil Party said: “Climate change is happening as we speak and we look forward to making our own submissions.”

The purpose of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy is to: * Ensure a proper comprehension of the key risks and vulnerabilities of climate change. * Bring forward the implementation of climate resilient actions in a planned and proactive manner. *Ensure that climate adaptation considerations are mainstreamed into all plans and policies and integrated into all operations and functions of Cork City Council.

Inviting submissions, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr John Sheehan said: “I look forward to reviewing the submissions and listening to the insight of the people of Cork during the workshop. In particular, I will be reaching out to the schools to ensure that the younger generation participate in shaping the future of the city.”

A copy of the draft report can be inspected during normal business hours at City Hall and at gov.ie/consultations.