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Project title

RE-CAP: Reviewing, Experimenting, and Co-Designing Action Pathways for Ireland’s Climate Action Plans

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Atlantic Technological University (ATU)

Lead Applicant

Salem Gharbia

Project Abstract

Ireland has ambitious climate goals—but their success depends not only on plans, but on whether those plans can be delivered. Right now, there is no national understanding of how Local Authority Climate Action Plans (LA-CAPs) are being implemented, where sectoral progress is working, and what conditions enable meaningful collective action. RE-CAP offers a structured review of all 31 LA-CAPs across four key sectors: Energy, Transport, Land Use & Nature, and Water & Coastal Management. It will examine how delivery roles are organized, how sectoral actions are aligned, and how local authorities engage communities and departments in implementing climate goals. This review will lead to the development of a national sectoral performance dashboard, enabling benchmarking, peer learning, and targeted policy support. The proposed research includes a detailed case study in Sligo County Council, where applied research and behavioral experiments will offer a deeper understanding of the dynamics behind climate coordination. These include: a) A Climate Commons Simulation exploring how stakeholders allocate climate investment when choices must be made together; b) A Policy Proximity Bias Experiment that investigates how visible local projects can build stronger support for wider climate measures; and c) A Coordination Friction Index, which highlights how local teams organize across departments and roles to keep delivery on track. These insights will be summarized in a Behavioral Insight Brief, supporting EPA and other stakeholders to better design strategies that reflect how decisions are made at local level. To assist implementation, RE-CAP will co-design a Collective Climate Action Toolkit with local authority staff. This practical resource will include editable templates, strategies for public engagement, and tools to support collaboration across sectors. It will be built for real-world use and reflect the lived experience of those responsible for delivery. RE-CAP offers a clear path from learning to action, enabling local and national stakeholders to build stronger systems for achieving shared climate outcomes. All research outputs (including the toolkit, dashboard, insight brief, and case study report) will be available as open-access resources. The outputs and deliverables will directly inform the next phase of LA-CAP activity, the 2026 Climate Action Plan, and wider policy development under the National Dialogue on Climate Action and Just Transition supports. EPA stands to gain a set of implementation-ready tools and evidence to support consistency, coordination, and continuous improvement in climate delivery across Ireland’s local authorities.

Grant Approved

€159,303.08

Research Hub

Addressing Climate Change Evidence Needs

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

02/03/2026

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/09/2027