Agenda and minutes

Mr Kevin Swift Regional Waste Coordinator, Connaught-Ulster Waste Management Office gave a presentation on the National Waste Management Plan.  Discussions followed regarding various aspects of the Plan and queries raised were addressed by Mr. Swift.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Water, Environment, Climate Action and Emergency Services gave an update on the review of the Litter Management Plan as follows:-

·         The Anti Littering Infrastructure Capital Support grant provided by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication to Leitrim County Council in 2021 enabled Leitrim to purchase litter infrastructure, compacting bins were also purchased with this fund as well as financial support to the litter service in the County. 

·         Leitrim County Council will commence a social media campaign over the summer months in the area of litter management and education. 

A report on the review of the Litter Management Plan had been circulated to the SPC members and to members for the May Council Meeting.

Mr Kevin Swift Regional Waste Coordinator, Connaught-Ulster Waste Management Office gave a presentation on the National Review of Civic Amenity Sites.  Mr. Swift stated that a national review was prepared for 30 No.  sites regarding their role and financing and recommendations were made on the way forward.

There are currently 2 Civic Amenity Sites (CAS) in Leitrim, one in Manorhamilton and one in Mohill, a recent audit was carried out and identified that these Civic Amenity Sites are operating at a loss.  A brief discussion took place on the possibility of a CAS in Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim’s County Town

Mr. Francis Gaffney, A/Senior Engineer gave an update to the Members on Irish Water

Mr. Gaffney stated that the current position with the Water Transformation (transition to Irish Water). is ongoing and due to be finalised/completed by 2026. Mr. Gaffney further added that there has been no issues with the performance of our plants and that a number of waste water treatment plants are being upgraded.  There are no boil notices in operation at present and no significant outages but any breakdowns that do occur  are attended to as quickly as possible.

Mr James Madden was unable to attend the meeting but had prepared an update on Leitrim Sustainable Agricultural Group (LSAG).  This update advised the following:

Meetings

The next LSAG Group  meeting will be held online on MS Teams on 3^rd May. Speakers: John O’Connell, Ballinamore & James Gilmartin, Manor.

Applications.

Applications in respect of training, video, farm walks, water sampling and a biodiversity study area were submitted to LAWPRO and NPWS  in March.  We expect to hear from both bodies in late April/ early May.

LEADER

Terms of Reference for a training programme are currently being finalised for submission to LEADER. The training will be open to members of the community as well as LSAG members and will be held in Summer/Autumn 2022.

Leitrim Dev Company leading on this project.

ICBAN

The IrishCentral Border Area Network is exploring the possibility of a regional cross-border application to PeacePlus for a water quality or biodiversity project. They are interested in the LSAG model in Leitrim and the possibility of extending to other LA areas. . J Madden will  give a presentation to ICBAN  members on 5th May.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Water, Environment, Climate Action and Emergency Services gave an update on Climate Action and stated that Francis Gaffney, A/Senior Engineer is currently involved in an energy  project on buildings in conjunction with  Cavan and Monaghan County Councils.  Mr. Dwyer stated the need to have a dedicated staff working in this important area.  Discussions followed regarding Climate Action  and any queries raised were addressed by Mr. Dwyer.