Agenda and minutes

The Minutes of Meeting of Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture Strategic Policy Committee held on 31^st August, 2022 were approved on the proposal of Councillor Paddy Farrell and seconded by Mr. Eddie Mitchell.

There were no matters arising from the Minutes.

The Members received a presentation from Ms. Marie Mulligan, Senior Executive Engineer on the remediation of septic tanks.   Ms. Mulligan stated that septic tank inspections are carried out on a risk bask assessment with specific criteria to be followed.  The Members discussed issues regarding percolation area and surrounding ground condition problems in the county. A discussion followed regarding the implications involved in septic tank grant applications and the issue of not qualifying for grant assistance if septic tanks were not registered by householders prior to 1^st February, 2013.  Any queries raised by the Members were addressed by Ms. Mulligan.  Councillor Sean McGowan stated that it would be beneficial if a public awareness campaign could be arranged regarding the importance of the maintenance and de-sludging of septic tanks.

A recent social media campaign on Tik Tok regarding litter awareness has been very successful and could be explored for septic tank maintenance awareness.

The Members received an update on Irish Water from Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Water, Environment, Climate Action and Emergency Services.   Mr. Dwyer informed the Members that a Framework Document regarding the transition of water services was produced in June, 2022 and that Irish Water will soon be taking over full control of water services.  Informative roadshows will be held in the near future for staff to assist them with the making of the decision to transfer to Irish Water or remain as a local authority employee.    The Members were informed that the rural water supply will remain within local authority control.   Councillor Paddy Farrell enquired if any funding is available for group schemes but was informed by Ms. Marie Mulligan that the Council is awaiting funding for all existing group water schemes. A discussion took place regarding legacy concerns of group water schemes and estates which will not be taking over before the transition of water services to Irish Water.  Mr. Dwyer stated that a Memorandum of Understanding was agreed nationally and that hopefully Irish Water will take responsibility for these issues.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Water, Environment, Climate Action and Emergency Services gave an update to the Members on Climate Action.    Mr. Dwyer stated that funding has been received for the position of Climate Community Officer and 2 No. Senior and Executive positions.  Recruitment will take place in the near future for the commencement and development of the Climate Action Plan by March 2023 with the preparation to be completed within a 12 month timeframe.  Leitrim County Council along with Cavan and Monaghan County Councils have employed Consultants to carry out risk assessments for determining any background context challenges as regards to our 2030 targets.  The presentation is scheduled to be ready by mid December 2022.

Ms. Laura McEnroe, Waste Enforcement Officer gave an update to the Members on waste management and stated that Leitrim County Council has recently appointed an additional Waste Enforcement Officer.  Councillor Caillian Ellis stated that it is crucial to highlight cases where waste convictions are successful in order to raise awareness of the outcome for any illegal dumping practice.  Ms. Marie Mulligan, Senior Executive Engineer stated that Hazardous Waste Collection days were held in Manorhamilton and Carrick on Shannon and that the facility was extended to the Civic Amenity Sites in Mohill and Manorhamilton for anyone who could not attend on those specific days.  Mr. Eddie Mitchell enquired if agricultural waste qualified under hazardous waste and Ms. Mulligan clarified the event was for household hazardous waste and included household hazardous waste from farmers.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer asked the Members to inform him of any policy areas which they would wish to discuss on the Agenda of future SPC meetings.  

Councillor Sean McGowan asked if issues regarding the taking over of estates in the County before the transition of water services to Irish Water could be listed on the Agenda for the next meeting of the SPC.