Derry City and Strabane District CouncilClimate Change Adaptation Plan 2020-2025

Roles & Responsibilities
Within Council all directorates have a part to play in
considering climate change through their decision making and
operations in line with corporate policy and risk management.
Progress on any plans, policies and strategies is reported
through the committee reporting structures.
At a central government level, the Department for Agriculture,
Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is responsible
for coordinating government response including the
development of the Northern Ireland Climate Change
Adaptation Programme. This includes co-ordinating the Cross-
Departmental Working Group on Climate Change and chairing
the Adaptation Sub Group. Central government recognizes
that the role of local authorities in Northern Ireland is vital to
climate resilience.
“Councils lead local action to protect communities and
businesses from risks posed by severe weather events
and are responsible for protecting local areas from
development which could increase vulnerability to
flooding.” (Department for Agriculture, Environment &
Rural Affairs, 2019.)
Climate adaptation requires a whole of society approach within
which Council can lead the way, however it is recognised
that certain responsibilities lie outside of Council control such
as rivers, water management, road and rail infrastructure,
education, public housing and social services.
It is therefore critical that all levels of government, businesses,
the third sector and communities work together to adapt to
the impacts of climate change.
DCSDC have initiated a cross sectoral approach with the
establishment of the North West Multi Agency Climate Group
in 2019. Additional collaborative actions are outlined in the
Climate Adaptation Action Plan.
Council has also worked closely with Donegal County Council
in the development of their adaptation plan and the North West
Regional Energy Strategy. This has been further developed with
the commencement of a cross border partnership to deliver a
multi-agency cross border North West Climate Action Plan.
Climate Northern Ireland (NI) is a cross-sectoral adaptation
network which supported DCSDC through the adaptation
planning process. Climate NI aims to raise awareness of the
impacts of climate change and the actions necessary to
address these. This is achieved through comprehensive policy
development and increased adaptation awareness and action.
In addition, Climate NI are currently supporting local Councils
in development of adaptation plans through the Climate NI
Local Government Climate Action Network (LGCAN). DCSDC
are involved in LGCAN by sharing learning and best practice of
our adaptation planning with other councils.
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DCSDC Climate Change Adaptation Plan