I ask have we made any progress on the Zero discharge licence.
We have reached the end of a decade since this draconian law was introduced, and promises have been made, by various Ministers and Government Departments since, all to no avail Rural Leitrim is now feeling the terrible effects, of this ruling
As a local Authority about to embark on a New County Development plan, we must take a stand on this issue now.
Minutes:
"I ask have we made any progress on the Zero discharge licence. We have reached the end of a decade since this draconian law was introduced, and promises have been made, by various Ministers and Government Departments since, all to no avail Rural Leitrim is now feeling the terrible effects, of this ruling. As a local Authority about to embark on a New County Development plan, we must take a stand on this issue now."
Report by Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Services, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructural Services
"As has been advised to the Members significant process has been made in discussions with the Department over the last number of months in regard to pursuing with the trial of the zero discharge updated design. In principle it has been agreed that the testing should be pursued as a research initiative in conjunction with the EPA research programme as against a standalone trial system led by Leitrim County Council. This step is most welcome and in this regard Leitrim County Council with academic support through Trinity College has prepared the research proposition paper which has recently been submitted to the Department for consideration and referral to the EPA. The matter will continue to be pursued by the Council with the Department."
Councillor Enda Stenson proposed that as the New County Development Plan is being drawn up the Members of Leitrim County Council need to allow for one off houses to be built on the land.
Councillor Justin Warnock pointed out that what has been lost will never be understood. We have lost a generation, because we can’t let our young people build on their own land.
Cathaoirleach, Cllr Enda McGloin asked the Executive if the Department is being evasive on this issue.
Councillor Sean McDermott expressed his concerns and said that this is a biggest issue for Rural Leitrim since it came into effect 10 years ago and something has to be done in the New County Development Plan to resolve this issue. Councillor Sean McDermott said that a parish needs a quota in order to survive, the bar is too high and the land in Leitrim needs to be taken into consideration in this regard. Councillor Sean McDermott said it is terrible to live in a parish and see it melting away. Councillor Sean McDermott paid tribute to Minister Ring in regard to this issue.
Councillor Brendan Barry referred to Deputy Martin Kenny’s bill in relation to Local Government (Water Pollution)(Amendment) Bill 2018 and he queried as to where this is now and if this could be progressed further.
Councillor Gerry Dolan sought clarification on pumping stations and if they can be reverted to, as they were in use 10-15 years ago.
Councillor Frank Dolan supported the motion and he insisted that something must be put into the County Development Plan in this regard. Councillor Frank Dolan outlined that he was speaking to colleagues in Cavan/Sligo and Longford with similar ground conditions and there is no problem in getting planning permission for rural houses.
Councillor Des Guckian pointed out that Leitrim is losing young couples as they are moving from border parishes like Gortletteragh and into County Longford.
Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said we can’t concede defeat on behalf of the citizens of Leitrim and he expressed his concerns on how can we attract investment when 87% of land mass has been unsuccessful for zero discharge.
Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn supported the motion.
Councillor Padraig Fallon pointed out that people are very angry and frustrated when they can’t build in Leitrim.
Councillor Enda Stenson expressed his concerns and said it is getting very serious when it comes to fielding football teams.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services advised that the Implementation of the Code of Practice was introduced 10 years ago.
Significant progress has been made with discussions with the Department and the EPA to pursing a solution to zero discharge.
Monthly contact with the Department offered has been very helpful. It has been agreed that the testing should be pursued as a research initiative in conjunction with the EPA research programme as against a standalone trial system led by Leitrim County Council. This step is most welcome and in this regard Leitrim County Council with academic support through Trinity College has prepared the research proposition paper which has recently been submitted to the Department for consideration and referral to the EPA.
Councillor Brendan Barry queried if the T90 Test was being changed.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Services, said it was referred to the EPA for approval and this is awaited.
Councillor Frank Dolan queried as to the timescale involved if these talks are successful.
Mr Gilhooly advised it could take a period of two years and a year for monitoring.
Councillor Felim Gurn queried if there are any other counties that have this issue.
Councillor Brendan Barry said if an area on the site is dry, it should not be totally ruled out.
Mr Gilhooly advised that there is no other county which would have this land type.
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Enda McGloin said that this matter will continue to be pursued by Leitrim County Council and taken up with the Minister and EPA.
The Members agreed that a workshop for Elected Members be held to give an overview of the County Development Plan review process and timeframes in the coming weeks.
Mr Gilhooly advised that the Carrick-on-Shannon Town plan will be incorporated into the County Development Plan.