Agenda and minutes

The Minutes of Meeting of Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture Strategic Policy Committee held on 9^th  November, 2022 were approved on the proposal of Councillor Justin Warnock and seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan.

Councillor Sean McGowan enquired if there was any update on the issue of percolation areas which was discussed at the previous SPC Meeting.  Ms. Marie Mulligan stated that there was no update to hand but explained that any issues with percolation areas need to be addressed in conjunction with the workings of the septic tank in the interests of good water quality and public health.

The Members received a presentation from Ms. Marie Mulligan, Senior Executive Engineer on the Draft Climate Change Risk Assessment.  The Members raised queries on some aspects of the Draft Report.  Mr. Eddie Mitchell raised the query re the accuracy of land use figure stated in the report for County Leitrim.  Ms. Mulligan stated that work is ongoing on seeking clarification on the figures and also on how the evidence reflected is presented and what adaptations can be made to the contents of the Draft Report.   Any queries raised by the Members were addressed by Ms. Mulligan. 

Councillor Caillian Ellis joined the meeting and apologised for his late arrival.

The Members received an update on the Climate Change Baseline Emissions Inventory Report from Ms. Marie Mulligan, Senior Executive Engineer..   The Members discussed the content of the Report and any queries raised were addressed by Ms. Mulligan. Mr. Eddie Mitchell stated that it is vital to involve and  work with the local communities and focus on the community to address and achieve the targets.  Councillor Justin Warnock stated that the Leitrim Sustainable Agriculture Group is aiding and promoting sustainable farming in County Leitrim and that a plan will be soon be developed to achieve this aim.

Ms. Martina Casey, Administrative Officer, gave an update on Irish Water and stated that the Master Agreement which includes issues regarding unfinished estates and staff transfers has concluded and it is planned that water services in County Leitrim will have transitioned to Irish Water by the end of Quarter 1, 2023.

Mr. Eddie Mitchell raised the issue of communication with landowners regarding the new SLNCR Greenway Project and stated that farmers should have access to a liaison person to deal with their concerns regarding land being acquired for the Greenway.

Ms. Mulligan stated that she will request clarification on the matter from Mr. Shay O’Connor, Senior Engineer.

This concluded the business of the meeting.