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

The crisis has emphasised the importance of preparing for
and being responsive to risks. Derry City and Strabane District
Council rapidly adapted ways of working to deliver essential
services such waste management, emergency planning,
business and community support, and management of parks
and open spaces so critically important to the health and
wellbeing of our communities.
The COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted inequalities in our
society and the need to support our most vulnerable. Climate
change has and will continue to disproportionately affect those
most in need.
The dynamic and rapid adaptability of Council has
demonstrated how we can respond in times of global crisis.
Climate adaptation will increase the resilience of the Council
to the impacts of climate change, but climate resilience is
not just about managing severe weather. Effective long-term
planning for a changing climate is an integral part of ensuring
business continuity, safeguarding people and places, protecting
and enhancing the natural environment, and contributing to a
resilient economy.
As the first Council adaptation plan, we recognize that this is
the beginning of our adaptation journey and as such, the scope
of the five-year plan focuses on:
• ‘getting our own house in order’ and
• ‘leading by example’.
These principles will guide the work of Council, for example in
areas such as ensuring continued service delivery during severe
weather events, protection of assets and property, supporting
local communities and businesses and development of resilient
buildings and landscapes through our Planning, building
control and green infrastructure functions.
DCSDC Climate Change Adaptation Plan
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