City is awarded for mission to boost ambitious climate action plans

Cork city has been awarded for its strong leadership and ambitious climate action plans.

The Mission Label has been given to Cork City Council from the European Commission under the 100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission.

The Mission Label recognises the work that’s being done in the city, including by Cork City Council and the Climate Neutral Cork Leadership Group, which is made up of 15 organisations from the public and private sector, civil society and young people who have committed to taking positive climate actions across the city and who will help to deliver climate neutrality.

Cork has made a commitment to driving towards climate neutrality by 2030, with a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% over the 2018 levels. This transformation will help make Cork city the best, most resilient, place to live, work and do business.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle said: “The challenge we face is significant. Climate change is a global issue, but its impacts are felt locally. We must improve our building stock, adapt our infrastructure, innovate in the ways we work together, and engage our community in meaningful ways.

“The Climate City Contract represents our commitment to taking bold actions, fostering collaboration, and leading by example. Together, we will navigate the complexities of this challenge and emerge stronger and more united.”

The Climate City Contract, submitted as part of the mission, is designed to leverage the existing capacities, roles and networks in the city. The Mission can provide it with a diverse range of practical support services to help turn ideas into bankable projects. The priorities are decarbonising residential and commercial buildings through retrofit and better building energy efficiency standards as well as reducing transport emission through decreased reliance on cars.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said: “Today is a proud day for Cork city. The award of the EU Mission Label is an important milestone, recognising the work the city has already done and stands ready to do to tackle climate change. I want to congratulate all those involved in achieving this prestigious award.

“The Mission Label is not just a title, it is a vote of confidence in Cork and a recognition of the city as a leader in climate action. The work the city is doing on climate change will lead to a cleaner, better, smarter and stronger Cork.”

The Climate Neutral Cork Leadership Group, a multi-stakeholder body, was formed to lead the transition process in Cork city over the next five years. One of the organisations involved is Cork Chamber. The organisation invested in a deep retrofit and renovation of their Victorian office building, installing 20 solar PV panels. In addition, Cork Chamber facilitated seven Local Green Deals between its members and Cork City Council, while also securing their own Local Green Deal.

Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said: “The primary purpose of our projects is to lead by example in securing Cork’s future through climate action while empowering the local business community to take formal steps toward sustainability. Our goal is to accelerate Cork’s progress toward climate neutrality through direct emission reductions, energy improvements, biodiversity initiatives and strategic collaboration with Cork City Council and our members.”

The mission is an opportunity for Cork to single itself out, in Ireland, and manage its development to be among the most resilient, future-proofed and economically successful European cities.

Director, Emergency Management and Climate Action, Cork City Council, David Joyce said: “Achieving net zero is not a City Council project. It is a whole-of-city project requiring the commitment and action of all of us – households, politicians, businesses, academia, civil society organizations, and the full range of public sector institutions. The Mission is just an opportunity for us to do things differently. If we approach the challenge with goodwill, energy, and enthusiasm, and pull on the Cork jersey as we work together, then we really can turn Cork into the best, most resilient city to live, work, and do business in for the long term.”