I ask is there any update on the Code of Practice for one off Waste Water Treatment systems. We are aware of meetings that were taking place with the stakeholders last year. The issue is very relevant at the moment with more people working from home because of Covid-19. As people adapt to living and working away from cities, companies realize that people can work effectively remotely. I believe this can give us an opportunity to stabilize our population and save communities and parishes in rural Leitrim.
Minutes:
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Enda McGloin proposed that Motion No 10 in the name of Councillor Sean McDermott and Motion No14 in the name of Councillor Enda Stenson be taken concurrently as they relate to Code of Practice for one off Waste Water Treatment Systems. This was agreed by the Members.
Motion from Councillor Sean McDermott;
"I ask is there any update on the Code of Practice for one off Waste Water Treatment systems. We are aware of meetings that were taking place with the stakeholders last year. The issue is very relevant at the moment with more people working from home because of Covid-19. As people adapt to living and working away from cities, companies realize that people can work effectively remotely. I believe this can give us an opportunity to stabilize our population and save communities and parishes in rural Leitrim."
Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.
"Firstly as the Members are aware the EPA has completed the public consultation and consideration of the submissions received on the revision of the Code of Practice. Under Section 76 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 (as amended), the EPA shall consult with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and any other Minister of the Government or other person or body that appears to the Agency to be appropriate before publishing or revising a Code of Practice. The EPA issued the Code to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government on 17/04/2020 seeking their views. The EPA awaits their response before finalising the document.
In regard to the Council's efforts to secure a source of funding nationally towards the cost of the pilot scheme the route identified through the EPA research programme is being delayed due to a review being undertaken of this programme. It is therefore unlikely that this programme will be doing a call for or funding any projects this year.
However, the Council is maintaining its discussions with Department Officials with a view to continuing to pursue the identification of options in regard to the situation the County finds itself in."
Motion from Councillor Enda Stenson;
"I ask is there any progress being made, in Leitrim or nationally on the issue of zero discharge. We are entering a critical period, with the formation of a new Government imminent."
Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.
"Firstly as the Members are aware the EPA has completed the public consultation and consideration of the submissions received on the revision of the Code of Practice. Under Section 76 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 (as amended), the EPA shall consult with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and any other Minister of the Government or other person or body that appears to the Agency to be appropriate before publishing or revising a Code of Practice. The EPA issued the Code to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government on 17/04/2020 seeking their views. The EPA awaits their response before finalising the document.
In regard to the Council's efforts to secure a source of funding nationally towards the cost of the pilot scheme the route identified through the EPA research programme is being delayed due to a review being undertaken of this programme. It is therefore unlikely that this programme will be doing a call for or funding any projects this year.
However, the Council is maintaining its discussions with Department Officials with a view to continuing to pursue the identification of options in regard to the situation the County finds itself in. Central to any outcomes being achieved that assist the County will indeed depend on Government policy and Ministerial support going forward."
Councillor Sean McDermott said this issue is very relevant at the moment with more people working from home because of Covid-19 and he called for a system to be put in place by the new Government. He acknowledged that Leitrim County Council has been working on this over the last 10 years. Cllr McDermott said that in his own area the population has stabilised in the last 10 years and it is important that a core population be maintained to keep schools and communities alive. Cllr McDermott stated that this issue has come up so many times and something has to be done.
Councillor Enda Stenson said that this is one of the biggest issues that the new Government will have to deal with after the pandemic.
Councillor Padraig Fallon, Councillor Des Guckian, Councillor Felim Gurn and Councillor Gerry Dolan supported the motions.
Cathaoirleach, Cllr Enda McGloin said we will have to see what the formation of the new Government involves and the Green Party will have to form some part of it. He acknowledged people who live on a farm want to live in the area.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly, Deputy Chief Executive, Director of Services, outlined that Leitrim County Council is maintaining its discussions with Department officials to find a solution to the current problem. Government policy and ministerial support will be central to any outcomes that may be achieved that will assist the County with this issue. He encouraged people to engage with the Planning Department in this regard.