PROPOSAL: Change KA 16, "Protect and improve air quality in the Town, especially in relation to reducing particulate matter", to “Protect, improve, monitor, and publicize the air quality in the Town, especially in relation to reducing particulate matter”
RATIONALE: It is important to monitor air quality to ensure progress is being made, and to also show residents whether the measures taken are improving air quality, to ensure buy-in from residents and maintain transparency.
PROPOSAL: Add an objective “Retrofit council-owned buildings, and conduct awareness campaigns to provide information to residents regarding the benefits of retrofitting, how retrofitting works, the types of retrofits appropriate for different types and ages of homes, and how to apply for grants etc.”
RATIONALE: Retrofitting large volumes of buildings and homes is a key action of the 2021 Climate Action Plan, and the local authority should lead the way in raising awareness around retrofitting and its benefits. It should also set an example by initiating retrofits of council-owned buildings.
PROPOSAL: In section 2.3.4 Natural Heritage, add an objective: “For every tree in the Killarney area that is removed by the council, at least ten native trees must be planted as replacements.”
RATIONALE: Trees (particularly native trees) have well-document benefits for both the health of communities, the atmosphere of a locale, biodiversity, and climate action. There are legitimate reasons why on occasion trees may need to be removed; this policy point would ensure that in such circumstances additional trees are planted to make up for the loss of a mature tree.