Local authorities across Europe meet in Bratislava

NENAGH – (May 16, 2025) – The last in a series of international meetings for the OwnYourSECAP project took place in Bratislava on April 8th and 9^th, 2025.  Representatives from municipalities and experts from 13 European countries, including Donegal and Mayo Local Authorities, gathered for an intensive exchange of practical solutions in key areas such as energy management in municipalities, climate change adaptation, climate communication and the implementation of specific climate action measures. The rich exchange of experience and the goal of the project is to support local governments in implementing their Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) or Local Authority Climate Action Plans (LACAPs) as it is commonly known as, in Ireland. The peer-to-peer workshop was hosted by the civic association Energetické Centrum Bratislava (ECB).

Dr. Sukanya Saikia from Tipperary Energy Agency, the Irish partner of the OwnYourSECAP project was accompanied to the event by Climate Action Coordinators, Lorraine Arbuckle from Donegal County Council and Laura Dixon from Mayo County Council. Here’s what both the local authorities from Ireland had to say about the 2-day exchange event.“I very much welcomed the opportunity to share ideas with other municipalities across the EU on climate action planning.  It was encouraging to learn that our approaches here in Ireland are considered a positive example to others, and to find that we are aligned in many of our goals and objectives.  A key takeaway is that climate action needs to foster the multi-benefits to communities and the local economy if it is to be truly embedded in society going forward.”

– LORRAINE ARBUCKLE, DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

“The OwnYourSECAP event in Bratislava demonstrated how municipalities all around Europe, whether urban or rural, hot or cold, are working to address Climate Change. The event was a great opportunity to see completed projects in Bratislava, to build connections, to learn from others and to bring home ideas that could be implemented in Mayo”.

– LAURA DIXON, MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL

The OwnYourSECAP project, funded by the European Union’s LIFE programme, has focused over the past years on strengthening the capacities of primarily small and medium-sized municipalities in implementing their climate and energy commitments.  It provides tools, methodologies, and a space for mutual learning among European cities and municipalities. To learn more about the field trips, photographs and so much more, please click here to read the full article!