Agenda and minutes

Councillor Justin Warnock opened the meeting which was held via Zoom and the Minutes of Meeting of Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture Strategic Policy Committee held on 11^th November 2020 were approved on the proposal of Councillor Sean McGowan and seconded by Mr. Eddie Mitchell.

There were no matters arising from the Minutes.

The Members received an overview form Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Water, Environment, Climate Action and Emergency Services on Climate Action at regional and national level. 

·        At national level the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill is an ambitious piece of legislation which commits us to move to a climate resilient and climate neutral economy by 2050.  The Programme for Government commits to a 7% average yearly reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade, and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

·        At regional level, the Climate Action Regional Office are expected to deliver a training programme for all staff and elected members in the local authority sector early next year.  CARO are currently awaiting the outcome of a business case put forward for additional resources to carry out the Climate Action work programme within local authorities.

·        Locally the Council are in the process of forming a Climate Action Group comprising of staff representatives to support initiatives, policies etc arising from Climate Action legislation/policies.

Councillor Felim Gurn enquired regarding the provision of charging points for electric vehicles.  Mr. V. Dwyer, DOS, outlined that charging points for electric vehicles will be considered in the planning stages for any ongoing and future projects of Leitrim County Council.

Mr. V. Dwyer, DOS, welcomed Mr. Tom Coll Business & Technology Advisor, Teagasc to the Meeting.

Mr. Dwyer stated that at SPC Meeting held on 26^th July 2020 it was agreed that focus would be given to procure projects and apply for funding, and work towards an outcome to address issues in the county regarding agriculture.  Mr. Dwyer stated that in collaboration with other stakeholders, such as Teagasc, the Council may be in a better position to avail of the opportunities that Climate Action may present in terms of technology for the agricultural sector.

Mr. Tom Coll provided information on research and initiatives being undertaken by Teagasc around Climate Change such as; establishment of a ‘Soil Carbon Observatory’ on a farm in Leitrim where different soil types would be researched; low emissions slurry spreading techniques; Open Source Future Farm Programme.

A discussion ensued among members regarding agriculture in Leitrim and how best to move forward with a project/funding opportunity for improving agriculture sector in Leitrim in line with climate change mitigation measures.  Concerns highlighted among members were issues impacting agriculture in Leitrim such as drainage, flooding, forestry.

It was unanimously agreed to meet with Teagasc at a future date to discuss proposals in the above context.

No other matters were discussed.