Agenda and minutes

The Minutes of Meeting of Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture Strategic Policy Committee held on 15^th July, 2020 were approved on the proposal of Councillor Paddy Farrell and seconded by John Brennan

There were no matters arising from the Minutes.

Background information: YouTube Video – EPA Water Quality in Ireland 2013-2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y9hqG6tNiw

The Members received a presentation from Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Water, Environment, Climate Action and Emergency Services and Brendan McKenna, Senior Executive Engineer on the EPA Water Quality in Ireland 2013 – 2018.    A discussion took place regarding the different factors which affect the status of the quality of water in various locations in the county.  Councillor Sean McGowan enquired regarding the water quality status of Lough Rinn.   Brendan McKenna, Senior Executive Engineer outlined the various pressures in that area which could affect the water quality but stated that at present, LAWPRO are compiling a report in order to identify the problems so that improvements to the quality of water in Lough Rinn can be achieved.  The treatment plant at Lough Rinn has been upgraded which will hopefully contribute to water quality improvement of Lough Rinn.

Councillor Justin Warnock enquired regarding the factors which account for the deterioration of the water quality status of the Glenaniff River.   Brendan McKenna, Senior Executive Engineer stated that forestry or sheep dipping activity could be contributing factors.

Francis Gaffney, Acting Senior Engineer presented a report on Water Services – Capital Works Programme.  A discussion took place regarding the difficulties posed to householders in various parts of the county who wish to set up a Group Sewerage Scheme as large financial sums are required by Irish Water.  Francis Gaffney, Acting Senior Engineer stated that householders should be advised to pursue their plans group sewerage schemes as the financial issues may be resolved in the future.  Councillor Paddy Farrell enquired regarding sewerage service at Hartley, Carrick on Shannon. Francis Gaffney, Acting Senior Engineer explained that the Irish Water Framework setting out contractor prices are excessive, but that Group Sewerage Schemes should still continue to pursue their plans.   Brendan McKenna, Senior Executive Engineer stated that under the EPA NIP DWWTS, many householders in the Hartley area have been issued with Advisory Notices to upgrade their septic tanks.

Councillor Sean McGowan welcomed the Funding which has been secured for the Gortfadda section of the R202 and stated that hopefully the continuous leakage problems on that stretch of road will now be alleviated.

§  Shass Landslide

The members were circulated with a progress report dated 28th July 2020 regarding Shass Mountain Landslide.  Francis Gaffney, Acting Senior Engineer stated that a working group has been set up and that meetings are ongoing with various issues to be resolved.

Councillor Justin Warnock thanked the great work by the Council and paid compliments to the staff on the excellent way that the emergency was dealt with and the speed of how normality was restored to that area.

A discussion took place regarding the possible causes of the land slide.  Eddie Mitchell stated that he was on a Steering Group representing landowners in that area who had a lot of concerns in that regard.  He enquired as to what would have caused the landslide.  Francis Gaffney, Acting Senior Engineer replied that climate change could be a contributingfactor after the prolonged dry spell followed by intense rainfall.  Eddie Mitchell stated that the IFA were concerned that the land could be left as a polluted site and that the IFA will need the engagement of the Councillors to help resolve all the concerns involved. 

The Executive stated that Leitrim County Council does not have the capacity to deal with all the problems caused by the landslide and that the best outcome will be at a multi-agency level so that all issues can be dealt with at a national level.  The members were informed by the Executive that a working group has been established to ensure the best outcome for everyone.

§  Next SPC Meeting

The next meeting of the SPC will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, 8^th December at

3.30 p.m.

This concluded the business of the meeting.