Director of Services, Ms. Caitlín Conneely, introduced the presentation on the Second Implementation Report, which was approved at the March Plenary Meeting, noting the significant progress that has been made.

The Climate Action Coordinator, Ms. Aoife Moore, advised that this was the second progress report under the Roscommon County Council Local Authority Climate Action Plan 2024–2029 (LACAP), covering the period from February 2025 to January 2026.

Ms. Moore outlined that the report summarises actions delivered and commenced during 2025 and presents progress aligned with strategic commitments across five key areas: Delivery Across Services, Governance and Leadership, Mitigation Targets, Adaptation Goals and Community Engagement.

During the presentation Ms. Moore highlighted the following:

• Targeted climate action training for Members and staff
• The integration of climate action into Integrated Performance Management structures and meeting frameworks
• Targeted communication strategies
• Initiatives such as the net zero carbon design for new Local Authority buildings, social housing retrofit projects and additional EV charging infrastructure
• Progress on energy and emissions targets, noting that reductions in greenhouse gas emissions remain challenging
• Initiatives promoting heritage, biodiversity, and climate awareness
• The introduction of nature-based solutions for roads, biodiversity, and water management
• The continuation of the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) and ongoing stakeholder engagement
• Engagement with the business community
• Initiatives supporting waste reduction, the circular economy, and behavioural change
• Support for community-led nature-based solutions
• Ms. Moore noted that the report includes case studies on the use of library services to promote climate action, the Community Resilience Toolkit, and the CCAP

In conclusion, Ms. Moore stated that significant progress has been achieved with tangible results. She advised that new funding opportunities and initiatives will be advanced throughout 2026, with a continued focus on embedding climate action into the daily lives of Roscommon citizens.

She further advised that the Just Transition Fund Start Programme was recently launched, with 12 expressions of interest received, that two projects have been submitted under the ERDF and are awaiting determination, the CARO Conference was held in Roscommon earlier in the month, and that engagement with SEAI is ongoing, with six energy masterplans currently in progress.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan thanked Ms. Moore for her presentation and emphasised the need to increase public awareness of climate action, particularly in due to the recent rising of oil and fuel costs and the need for greater self?sufficiency. He highlighted the range of SEAI grants available and noted the reluctance of some householders to undertake home upgrades. He stressed the importance of Members engaging on climate action matters and referenced the recent tree?planting initiative undertaken by Foróige at Bennett’s Orchard, Castlerea, as an example of positive community-led action.

Members also thanked Ms Moore for her presentation and made the following points:

• Referenced a recent Bord na Móna presentation at Mount Lucas attended by Members and noted its informative nature
• Expressed concern regarding the potential fines Ireland may face in 2030 should climate targets not be met
• Acknowledged the progress being made in County Roscommon to date
• Highlighted the need for amendments to the planning system to facilitate renewable energy projects, including wind turbines, in appropriate locations
• Commended the LED public lighting programme and social housing retrofit works
• Queried when further Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) funding announcements are expected
• Highlighted the importance of solar panels and raised concerns regarding BER certification requirements
• Noted the potential opportunity presented by the use of excess water resources
• Called for a review of SEAI grant criteria
• Highlighted gaps in the EV charging network and sought an update on the TII EV Masterplan
• Raised concerns regarding the suitability of peatland areas for wind turbine development
• Queried whether current funding levels are sufficient to meet climate action targets
• Noted the widespread use of solar panels on agricultural buildings in other European jurisdictions and suggested this be encouraged locally

Ms. Moore thanked Members for their contributions and advised that the Council is awaiting a response from the Department in relation to CCMA funding. She confirmed that the Climate Action Officer will undertake door?to?door engagement in Roscommon Town to discuss available grants and that feedback and recommendations will be relayed to SEAI. She advised that discussions are ongoing with SEAI regarding feasibility studies for business parks and that a regional EV strategy is currently being prepared. She also noted that solar panels have recently been installed at Áras an Chontae, with plans to roll out similar installations across other public buildings. Ms Moore concluded that there is a strong pipeline of projects underway, supported by a range of funding schemes.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

               SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to write to the Minister and SEAI to increase substantially the rate of grants for energy retrofits for properties to encourage an increase in application and affordability.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

               SECONDED by Cllr. Cull

It was AGREED to write to SEAI to propose that SEAI grant applications that have been approved are not subject to waiting times of 8-24 months and are funded to proceed immediately after grant approval.