AILG is pleased to once again part-sponsor the Climate Crisis and Local Government Certificate, a university-accredited CPD programme designed exclusively for City and County Councillors in Ireland.
This 12-week, part-time QQI Level 7 Certificate, delivered in partnership with University College Cork, provides Councillors with a recognised qualification while directly strengthening your capacity to make informed, effective decisions on climate policy at local level.
Why Councillors are choosing this programme
- It is tailored to the realities of the Councillor role, with blended delivery combining online learning, live evening sessions, and a practical workshop
- It covers current national and international policy frameworks, including the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act and Ireland’s Climate Action Plan
- It focuses on practical governance challenges, such as urban and rural resilience, the pathway to net zero, climate justice and community leadership
Lectures are delivered part-time, primarily in the evenings, with recorded content available to view at a time that suits your existing council and community commitments .
Course fee and funding
The full course fee is €850.
Thanks to AILG’s sponsorship, €350 is part-funded, reducing the cost to €500 per Councillor .
Councillors should note that Elected Members’ Training Budgets within Local Authorities make specific provision for Level 6 QQI qualifications and above and may be used to support participation in this programme.
Key dates
- Commencement: March 2026
- Application deadline: 27 February 2026
If you wish to register your interest or require further information, please contact Lucia Hermida Gonzalez at lucia.hermidagonzalez@ucc.ie
This programme is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your leadership, enhance your professional development and ensure your council decisions are informed by the latest evidence, policy and best practice in climate action.