‘There will be no world for future generations,' Tipperary councillors commit to climate action

Councillors in Tipperary are committed to tackling climate change.

That was the message in response to Climate Action Coordinator Clare Lee's presentation on the upcoming Tipperary Climate Action Plan draft.  with

Several councillors expressing their support for the plan saying they are concerned for their children's future.

Thurles councillor Peggy Ryan said that locally we are already seeing the effects of climate change.

She called River Suir flooding ‘terrifying’ and cited the drainage issues on Friar Street Thurles.

“My daughter is 18 months old, and I don't need her to tell me the world is burning in many places,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr AnneMarie Ryan said she thinks kids are more ‘in tune’ with the consequnences of climate change than adults. And while it can be ‘overwhelming to be bombarded with facts,’ she said as elected members, they have to act.

"We are in trouble, no doubt about it," said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Ryan complimented Ms Lee on the plan, but said for it to work, it must be properly funded.

She said if it not properly funded, it is the poor and vulnerable who will ‘pay the biggest price’ for climate change.

“People need to be able to heat their homes and feed their children, that's all climate, and we need to be at the forefront of that; I really think we do,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Imelda Goldsboro echoed some of Cllr Ryan’s points, especially the elderly.

She said the council have been ‘proactive’ but needed to do more to ensure energy efficiency in housing.

She said the council need to do energy audits on elderly people’s homes to ensure they are getting what they need in terms of retrofitting.

She also pointed out that it is hard for the public to know what to do when it comes to climate change.

“We need to be able to join up the dots,” said Cllr Goldsboro.

Cllr Andy Moloney told the council that he doesn’t think the climate plan “doesn't go strong enough.”

"He said he does not think the world can meet its 2023 targets, and the plans they make now are some of the most important they have ever discussed.

“If we keep going how we are going, we won't have a world for future generations,” said Cllr Moloney.

Cllr Moloney said he has noticed changes in the weather, and he finds it concerning.

“You don't have to be a scientist to see something is wrong with the climate,” said Cllr Moloney.

He said he would like for a climate scientist to come to the council.

He said he would like someone to explain climate change for the elected members so that they fully understand the facts.