Tullamore targets emissions with new Decarbonising Zone

The biggest sources of emissions in Tullamore are commercial and public buildings, residential heating, and transport, according to a detailed Baseline Emission Inventory conducted by KPMG.

This data now forms the foundation of Offaly County Council’s newly launched Decarbonising Zone, a focused effort to cut emissions, boost energy efficiency, and lead climate action locally.

The launch took place on Monday July 14 in the Court Hotel. A Decarbonising Zone is defined as a spatial area, identified by each local authority area in Ireland, in which a range of climate change mitigation measures are pinpointed to contribute to meeting national climate action targets.

In 2024, a vision was set out for Tullamore as the Decarbonising Zone for Offaly.

''Our vision, as set out in the Offaly’s Climate Action Plan 2024–2029, is a bold one: to become a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, and environmentally sustainable county.

Tullamore, as our designated Decarbonising Zone, is central to achieving that vision. The DZ is more than just a label, it is a working, living commitment to tackling the challenges of climate change at the heart of our community,'' stated Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy

officially launching Tullamore DZ. The Offaly Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 sets ambitious binding targets: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% and increase energy efficiency by 50% by the year 2030.

''Today, we officially launch the Tullamore Decarbonising Zone, Offaly’s flagship initiative under Offaly’s Climate Action Plan 2024–2029. This launch signals our commitment to leadership in climate action at a local level, activating and supporting communities in their decarbonising journey,'' said Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney addressing the event.

Offaly County Council’s strategic response is already taking shape. By collaborating with community partners, it is investing in a wide range of programmes, including:

 The Tullamore Wetlands Project: Developed in partnership with Tullamore Tidy Towns, LAWPRO, and others, this project is anexample of adaptation in action,improving biodiversity, water quality, and local flood resilience in the heart of our town.

 The Community Climate Action Fund: This fund has supported and empowered nineteen community groups by awarding €444,000 in funding, from sporting clubs to youth organisations, to take direct climate action through retrofitting, energy awareness, waste reduction, and more.

 The Active Travel Programme: Including the recently launched extension of the Tullamore Greenway, this programme encourages walking and cycling, reduces car dependency, and promotes healthier lifestyles.

 Partnerships with Sustainable Energy Communities and Local Businesses: We are working closely to enhance building efficiency, improve energy sourcing, and support low-carbon enterprise.

 Green Hydrogen Demonstration Project: In partnership with the ESB and the Tullamore Show, we are demonstrating how green hydrogen can power the Sustainability Village, reflecting our long-standing commitment to green energy.

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The Decarbonising Zone will also help us develop additional benefits: improved air quality, enhanced biodiversity, reduced fuel poverty, local employment, and stronger community resilience. The lessons learned here will inform how we retrofit our housing stock, electrify our transport systems, and protect our natural environment.

Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General of the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, in her speech, acknowledged the work already in progress in Offaly and reiterated the importance of local and community led initiatives.

Every resident, business, community group, and school are asked to join  in this mission to show that real climate action is not only possible, it starts here in Tullamore.