The Alliance motion sought to align the Council’s previous declaration of a climate emergency with the global campaign calling for an FFNPT to end reliance on fossil fuels, and proposed the Council write to the Executive urging them to support this initiative. It additionally called for a review of the district’s Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). 

Mournes Cllr Jill Truesdale said: “I am very pleased that NMDDC endorsed our call for an FFNPT, joining over 110 local authorities worldwide who are calling for a new legally binding global agreement to phase out fossil fuel production and accelerate the transition to accessible and sustainable energy. 

“This action complements the Council's declared climate emergency as well as its development of a Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy and Climate Action Plan. This combination of positive steps will set the roadmap for reducing our carbon emissions and managing a phase-out of coal, oil, and gas. 

Downpatrick Cllr Cadogan Enright said: “Given the compelling economic case that renewable energy makes against significantly more expensive fossil fuels, it’s hard to believe that both national and regional governments are continuing to subsidise the infrastructure of the oil and gas industry. 

“County Down has a £56 million subsidy to bring gas to 11 villages in East Down, yet it appears the Government cannot afford the £11 million needed to upgrade the electricity network. 

“The bias favouring fossil fuels obstructs the electrification of transport in South and East Down. It also prevents local businesses and farms from connecting to the grid and generating the renewable energy necessary for the energy transition in our area.

“This motion, supported by all parties except the DUP, highlights NMDDC’s commitment to climate leadership and the role we can all play in driving the global transition to a fossil-free future.”