Heavin calls for united front in fighting climate change and loss of biodiversity

A motion calling for a united front in fighting climate change and biodiversity loss received unanimous support from members of Westmeath County Council at their April meeting.

The motion was moved by Cllr Louise Heavin, who asked the councillors to “draw a line under what has happened” and unite for the good of the community.

Cllr Heavin said that “in the last four years, quite often, instead of banging our heads together to find solutions, we have been divided on the issues”, citing the recent discussion on the Climate Action Plan as an example.

Cllr Heavin conceded that it will take more than her lifetime to halt climate change. “We will continue to see homes lost, farmland wiped out, mass movement of people and whole communities destroyed as we all try to survive in this inhospitable world,” she warned.

The Green Party member also described the bright new world that awaits, if we consume less, produce less, and travel less.

Cleaner air, cleaner water, locally sourced, high quality food, communities connected by footpaths, cycleways and a transport system that works, vacant and derelict buildings and brown field sites restored, and fewer days at work, more days with family and friends, was what she predicted. “Who wouldn’t want to live in that culture?” she asked.

Cllr Heavin acknowledged the work done by the council executive. She hoped that her motion would unify members in supporting that work. “It is unproductive to argue about what we did in the past.

“Let’s look at where we are today and what we can collectively do about it. Let’s recognise the dual crisis of climate and biodiversity breakdown and commit to a better future. There is no strength without unity, let’s remember that,” she urged.

The motion was seconded by Carole Okeke of the Green Party, who said that if we all contribute in our own way in terms of how we live, what we buy or do, or how we dispose of what we have, it actually supports the change. Something needs to change and every moment counts, she stressed.

The councillors adopted their Climate Action Plan last March. The members were assured that the council are committed to working closely with all citizens, communities, and businesses to empower them to take the necessary action to address climate change and biodiversity loss.

Cllr Vinny McCormack warned that the Climate Act Plan must be monitored and the members must have reports on how it is progressing. He welcomed the increase in numbers working from home or from working hubs, and the increase in the numbers working close to home. That should be a key aspiration for the councillors, but also for company executives – if their commitment is real, that is something they should be pushing out, he said.

Cllr Tom Farrell, chair of Environment SPC, agreed that it was important that everyone “pulls together, not in opposite directions”.

“If we go with the plan and work together we will achieve these things,” he said.

Cllr Paul Hogan fully supported the motion, as did the chairman Cllr Liam McDaniel, who said “we, as a group, recognise that we are in a crisis”.

“We are committed to action to restore our systems,” he stated.

Cllr Heavin thanked the members for their support saying: “It means a lot.”