Agenda and minutes

Councillor Caillian Ellis opened the meeting.

The Minutes of Meeting of Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture Strategic Policy Committee held on 28^th March, 2023 were approved on the proposal of Councillor Paddy Farrell and seconded by Councillor Sean McGowan.

There were no matters arising from the Minutes.

Councillor Caillian Ellis, Chairperson welcomed Mr. Kevin Swift to the meeting. 

Mr. Swift proceeded to outline the contents of the Draft National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy – Irelands National Waste Plan 2020 – 2025.  The Plan is currently at public consultation stage and approximately 300 submissions have been submitted to date.   Mr. Swift addressed all related topics raised by members.

The Members thanked Mr. Swift for the very informative presentation.

The Members received a presentation from Ms. Marie Mulligan, Senior Executive Engineer on the Leitrim Climate Action Plan 2024.   The Climate Action and Low Carbon Amendment Act 2021 requires each local authority to prepare a Local Authority Climate Action Plan to be completed by February 2024. Ms. Mulligan stated that the Plan is currently being prepared.  The Members were informed that Carrick on Shannon has been identified as a Decarbonisation Zone.  Observations and recommendations from the public will be considered in the preparation of the draft Climate Action Plan.  Submissions will be received until July 2023 and thereafter a report will be prepared with the Draft Climate Action Plan prepared by Autumn 2023.  The Plan will be presented to the Elected Members for adoption and published in early 2024. 

Mr. Vincent Dwyer thanked Ms. Mulligan for her input of work since last November in conjunction with Cavan and Monaghan County Councils.  The Members thanked Ms. Mulligan for the presentation. The Members stressed the importance of ongoing awareness and consultation with the public.

Councillor Sean McGowan asked if there was an update on the progress of the Hartley Group Sewerage Scheme.  Ms. Marie Mulligan, Senior Executive Engineer stated, there is ongoing engagement with the residents’ representatives.  The representatives had discussions with Minister of State for Local Government Mr Kieran O’Donnell.  The Minister has requested an up-to-date costing for the project to be submitted.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held in October 2023 with date to be confirmed.

This concluded the business of the meeting at 12.10 p.m.