GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

AN ASSESSMENT OF COUNTY CLARE’S EMISSION SOURCES HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN, PROVIDING A BASIS AGAINST WHICH TARGETED ACTIONS AND MEASURES CAN BE IDENTIFIED AND MONITORED.

In 2018, the baseline year, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions within the Clare County Council area were approximately 1,965 ktonnes CO2e.

Figure 5 shows the main sources of emissions within the Clare County Council boundary area which are broadly in line with the national emissions profile.

How do you think the LACAP can support sustainable agriculture and other rural based enterprises such as forestry and renewable energy?

The emissions are primarily broken down across three sectors; agriculture (44%) transport (20%) and residential (16%). Commercial and industrial, industrial processes, Land Use, Land-use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) and waste/wastewater account for the remaining 19% of total GHG emissions.

For the transport sector, it has been identified that 58% of the GHG emissions originate from private car use, with 26% coming from heavy-duty vehicles and 14% from light duty trucks (Figure 6). Emissions from railways are relatively minor, which reflects the low level of railway services in the county. Diesel accounts for the vast majority of fuel use in the county, followed by petrol, then other fuels.

How can we best promote and support a modal shift towards more sustainable modes of transport?

Within the Clare County Council area, there are a range of fuel types used within the central heating of residential properties. Oil and Electricity are the most used fuel sources used by 53% and 20% of households respectively. Solid Fuel and Mains Gas are used by 9% and 15 of households in the county, whereas only 3% use LPG (Figure 7).

How can the LACAP best promote the conservation of energy and minimise its usage?

Challenges for Emission Reduction

The assessment of the emission sources provides valuable information on which to create relevant and targeted actions for Clare County Council to reduce emissions within the region. Possible actions could include:

Action Type Action

Organisational

• Ensuring green energy sources are used within council buildings

• Ensuring energy efficiency measures are implemented in all buildings

• Expansion of the green fleet for local authority vehicles

• Sustainable waste management and reducing usage of single-use plastics

Community

• Integrating climate action further into the planning system to support mitigation objectives.

• Promote the use of active travel (e.g., walking and cycling) by providing suitable infrastructure

• Support, grow and connect local Sustainable Energy Communities

• Support the sustainable management of Clare’s natural heritage, habitats, and landscapes

• Support the development of agriculture that is compatible with the sustainable development of the county and farming community

• Leveraging leadership role within the community to influence residents to switch to lower greenhouse gas emitting energy sources

• Raising awareness amongst the community of actions they can take, such as use greener energy sources and transport choices