Agenda and minutes

The Minutes of Meeting of Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture Strategic Policy Committee held on 15^th December, 2022 were approved on the proposal of Councillor Paddy Farrell and seconded by Mr. Eddie Mitchell.

Councillor Sean McGowan enquired if there was any update on the issue of unfinished estates and Irish Water. 

Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Director of Services stated that Irish Water is working with the Unions on the terms and conditions, at a national level.  It is planned that Leitrim County Council will be in the second tranche of local authorities to transition to Irish Water in the next 4 to 6 weeks. 

The issue of unfinished estates has been raised under a separate discussion with the Department and engagement is ongoing in that regard.

The Members received an update from Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Director of Services on the Local Authority Climate Action Plan.  Mr. Dwyer stated that the Minister issued guidelines at the end of March 2023 and that the 12-month period for the preparation of the Plan has commenced.  Recruitment is ongoing for 2 No. staff to progress the preparation of the Plan.  Carrick on Shannon has been identified as a Decarbonisation Zone.

Mr. John Brennan enquired if there would be an opportunity through Leader to apply for funding.  Mr. Dwyer stated that Leitrim Development Company are tendering for the preparation of the Rural Leader Plan and that climate matters will form part of the programme.

Mr. Eddie Mitchell asked if there will be opportunities for the Sustainable Farming and Energy Groups in this programme.  Mr. Dwyer stated that it is important that communities and groups take part in engagement when the time comes and that they have input into the development of the Programme.

The Members received an update on Emergency Services from Mr. Finian Joyce,

Chief Fire Officer.

Mr. Joyce informed the Members that Manorhamilton Fire Station is a priority and is now progressing through the Planning stage. It is envisaged that the new fire station will be in operation in Manorhamilton by the end of 2024.  New fire appliances have been purchased and funding has been approved for the purchase of a new water tank appliance which will be delivered by end of 2023.

Mr Joyce gave an update on the ‘BeFireSafe@school’ project.

Mr. Joyce outlined the progress of the Cross-Border Emergency Management Group in setting up the structures to facilitate co-operation of emergency services on both sides of the border.

The Members thanked Mr. Joyce for his very informative presentation and extended their compliments on all the positive initiatives and projects undertaken by the Fire Services.

Councillor Caillian Ellis joined the meeting.

The Members received an update on the Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) from Mr. John Mulvihill, Senior Executive Engineer. 

4 No. Areas for Further Assessment (AFA’s) were identified by the OPW in County Leitrim: -

Carrick on Shannon

Leitrim Village

Mohill

Dromod

Mr. Mulvihill outlined the progress on all the locations and addressed any questions from the Members.

The next meeting of the Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture SPC will be held on Wednesday, 7^th June 2023 at 10.30 a.m.

Mr. John Brennan informed the Members that Leitrim Development Company are holding a meeting regarding influencing the policy on climate change.

Mr. Eddie Mitchell stated that a Forestry and Climate Event is being arranged in North Leitrim and when finalised, will send on the details to Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Director of Services.

Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Director of Services informed the Members that Septic Tank inspections and grants are under review.  Discussions are taking place with the Minister and engagement is ongoing in that regard.  Mr. Dwyer will circulate the update on the progress to the Members.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 11.49 a.m.