Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee 2 (Environmental Policy) held on Wednesday 17th January, 2007 at 11 a.m. in the Meeting Room, Environmental Services Section, Cleveragh Business Park, Sligo

CATHAOIRLEACH:

• Councillor Albert Higgins
  

IN ATTENDANCE:

• Mr. B. Queenan,
• Ms. Sally Ward,
• Councillor P. Conmy,
• Councillor M. Fleming,

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

• Mr. Tom Kilfeather ,A/ Director of Service
• Mr. John McHugh, Senior Engineer
• Ms. Emer Concannon, Senior Executive Engineer
• Ms. Breda Ronayne, Administrative Officer
• Mr. Conall Calleary, Veterinary Officer
• Ms. Mairead Clerkin, Staff Officer
• Ms. Aideen Feeney, Litter Warden
• Ms. Naomi Gorevan, Clerical Officer
• Ms. Ann Johnston, Asst. Staff Officer
  

APOLOGIES:

• Councillor Jim McGarry,
• Councillor Mary Barrett
• Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady
  

It was proposed by Councillor Fleming and seconded by Ms. Sally Ward that Cllr. Albert Higgins take the chair in the absence of Chairman, Cllr. Jim McGarry

CONFIRM MINUTES OF MEETING:

Proposed by Cllr. Fleming
Seconded by Mr. B. Queenan

AND AGREED

“To confirm and adopt minutes of the SPC Environmental Policy meeting held on 6th December, 2006”.

MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising from the Minutes.

DRAFT BEACH BYE-LAWS 2006 – SUBMISSIONS:

Ms. Breda Ronayne gave a report to the meeting in relation to the submissions received from the public.  She outlined the reasons for including some of the submissions and also for excluding other submissions. It was suggested by Councillor A. Higgins that the hire of equipment at Strandhill for water sports should be through a recognised surf school.

After some discussion it was unanimously agreed that the suggested changes would be included and Ms. Ronayne then explained the process for adopting the bye-laws.

SPC WORK PROGRAMME 2007:

Mr. John McHugh invited suggestions regarding work policy from the committee which could be included in the Works Programme for 2007.  He outlined policy area of works that could be considered for 2007.  These were as follows:

• Control of Dogs/Dangerous breeds
• In-house Waste Management
• Promote Construction/Demolition Waste Recycling
• Advance Separate Collection of  Biodegradable Waste
• Maximise uptake of waste collection service
• Encourage local community participation in bring bank operation and maintenance
• Target chewing gum, take-away and cigarette litter via environmental awareness.

Following a discussion these were agreed. It was also suggested that further additions if required be made in the next few days.

It was agreed that Mr. Conall Calleary, Veterinary Officer would give a presentation to the next SPC Meeting in relation to the Control of Dogs.

It was agreed that Item 6 - Signage Policy would be taken prior to Item 5

SIGNAGE POLICY:

The Signage Policy was presented to the Meeting for endorsement. 

Mr. McHugh explained to the meeting that concessions to the Auctioneers will be made only within the statutory process.    It was proposed by Cllr. Higgins that the Auctioneers would be written to and a copy of the Signage Policy be made available to them. 

It was agreed that the Signage Policy be forwarded to the C P G for their consideration and an advertising campaign would then be undertaken.

DRAFT LITTER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2007 – 2010:

A presentation was made to the meeting by Ms. Breda Ronayne. 

It was suggested to target secondary schools in anti-litter campaigns and also to write to Secondary schools outlining the problems of litter in their areas.  After further discussion it was agreed that the Draft Litter Management Plan be adopted and it was hoped that this Plan would be brought before the Ordinary Council Meeting in March, 2007.

Councillor Fleming enquired about the Waste Packaging Regulations and Ms. Emer Concannon advised that with the employment of an additional Waste Enforcement Officer that this matter would be addressed.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

Councillor P. Conmy welcomed Mr. Tom Kilfeather, Acting Director of Services to his new post.

The Chairman and all members also extended a welcome to Mr. Kilfeather.

The Meeting concluded at 1.p.m

Meeting Date 17/01/2007