COMMITTEE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY 07 OCTOBER 2010,
CARRICKFERGUS CASTLE
Present:
Mr Roy Beggs
Mr Cathal Boylan (Chairperson)
Mr Thomas Buchanan
Mr Willie Clarke
Mr John Dallat
Mr Patsy McGlone
Mr Peter Weir
Mr Brian Wilson
In Attendance:
Dr Alex McGarel (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Sean McCann (Assistant Clerk)
Mr Nathan McVeigh (Clerical Supervisor)
Ms Antoinette Bowen (Clerical Officer)
Apologies:
Mr Trevor Clarke
Mr Danny Kinahan
Mr Alastair Ross
The meeting began in public session at 10.10 a.m.
1. Apologies
Apologies are listed above.
2. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting on 30 September 2010 were agreed.
Mr McGlone joined the meeting at 10.11a.m.
3. Matters Arising
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Departmental reply to Committee queries on EU Drivers’ Hours legislation, synopsis of responses to UK Domestic Drivers’ Hours Rules Consultation and letter from Diane Dodds MEP.
Agreed: That the Committee is content for the Department to proceed with the policy on Domestic Drivers’ Hours.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to Diane Dodds MEP requesting that the Committee is kept informed of progress on the Drivers’ Hours issue at European level.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Departmental reply to Committee queries on the DOE’s hospitality spend.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department asking for a breakdown of the hospitality spend by division and agency.
Members noted a Departmental reply to Committee queries on NI Water discharges.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Committee End of Session Report – September 2009 – August 2010.
Mr Weir left the meeting at 10.15a.m.
Agreed: That an amendment to the report is made before it is published on the Assembly website.
Mr Weir rejoined the meeting at 10.18a.m.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Departmental reply to Committee queries on PSA targets.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department stating that members expressed disappointment with the response as they felt it did not offer any reasons as to why the targets are not being met.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department asking for further information on the measures that the Department is putting in place to ensure progress.
Agreed: That a briefing by the Permanent Secretary on this issue is requested at a future Committee meeting.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Departmental reply to Committee queries on upcoming EU legislation.
Agreed: That Assembly Research is asked to provide details of the EU legislation that has particular relevance to, and possible implications for, Northern Ireland
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with Correspondence from Dundonald Green Belt Association on the Knock Golf Club planning application.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department requesting a briefing at a future Committee meeting on the issues raised within the correspondence from Dundonald Green Belt Association.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department asking for clarification as to who cited the 3 councils’ views.
Agreed: That the Green Belt Association correspondence is forwarded to the Ombudsman for information.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the residents group asking them to provide the details of the case they have provided to the Ombudsman in relation to the Knock Golf Course planning application.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Minister asking why he considers the matter of the Knock Golf Course planning application to be closed in light of the information Green Belt Association has provided.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Departmental reply to Committee queries on Epic.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department requesting a briefing at a future Committee meeting in relation to Epic.
Members noted a DFP reply to Committee queries on access to EU funding.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Departmental reply to a Committee Member’s Assembly Question on vacancies in the Civil Service.
Agreed: That the reply is sent to the Department for information.
4. Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC) briefing on High Hedges Bill
The Chairperson informed members that the briefing by CNCC had been cancelled and that they had provided further written evidence
Agreed: That the written evidence is incorporated into the final Committee report.
5. Mediation NI briefing on High Hedges Bill
Mr Buchanan joined the meeting at 10.40a.m.
Mr Beggs declared an interest as member of Carrickfergus Borough Council.
Representatives from Mediation NI briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions on the High Hedges Bill.
The main areas of discussion were access to mediation, models for delivery, training for mediation and the potential cost of professional mediation.
6. Carrickfergus Borough Council briefing on High Hedges Bill
Mr Willie Clarke declared an interest as a member of Down District Council.
Mr Beggs declared an interest as member of Carrickfergus Borough Council.
A representative from Carrickfergus Borough Council briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions on theHigh Hedges Bill.
The main areas of discussion were fees, the complaints process, enforcement and the potential costs for complainants and councils.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department asking for a copy of the standardised complaint form.
7. Pubs of Ulster briefing on Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill
A representative from Pubs of Ulsterbriefed the Committee and answered members’ questions on the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill.
The main areas of discussion were the potential implications for small businesses from the Bill’s proposals on dealing with fly posting and the distribution of leaflets.
Agreed: That more information is sought in relation to a communal fly posting area in Coleraine.
8. Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill amendments
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with responses from Countryside Alliance, the Farmers’ Union and the Irish Hawking Club on the proposed amendments to the Bill.
Agreed: That a response to the amendments is made and brought to a future Committee meeting for approval.
9. Proposal for secondary legislation
SL1 - Amendment to construction and use regulations on tyre noise emissions.
Agreed: That the Committee is content for the Department to proceed with the policy.
10. Statutory Rule
SR 2010/329 - The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2010.
Agreed: That the Committee for the Environment has considered SR 2010/329 – The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2010 and has no objection to this rule subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules report.
11. Consultations
Consultation on the DOE Disability Action Plan 2010/2011- Synopsis of Responses.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department asking that when the Department’s website is redeveloped in the future that it is developed to AAA standard for disability rather than the AA standard currently achieved.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department asking is there a role for the Department in ensuring that standards are being met in relation to access to buildings and disability access to town centres..
Consultation on the Water Framework Directive (Priority Substances and Classification) Regulations (NI) 2010 – Synopsis of Responses.
Agreed: That members are content for the Department to proceed with the policy.
Consultation on the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act (NI) 2010 Exemptions and Scope
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department requesting a briefing from officials on the synopsis of responses at a future Committee meeting.
Consultation on draft regulations for signs and warning lights on school buses
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department requesting a copy of the synopsis of responses to the consultation.
Consultation on seats for sale at Belfast City Airport – synopsis of responses
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department requesting a briefing from officials at a future Committee meeting.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to Belfast City Airport Watch to request a briefing from representatives at a future Committee meeting.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Minister asking if he intends to make a decision on the seats for sale issue separately from the decision on the planning application for a runway extension.
Mr McGlone left the meeting at 12.21p.m.
12. Correspondence
Departmental schedule of the current Article 31 planning applications.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the North West Waste Management Group (NWWMG) asking for an updated explanation of the need for this development.
Members noted the following correspondence:
Invitation to the Climate Week reception on Monday 8 November 2010, at Central Hall Westminster.
Letter to advise the Committee of the Minister intention to approve planning application U/2005/0070/F Abbeycentre Shopping Centre, Newtownabbey.
Further information re the proposed Kintyre Offshore Windfarm.
13. Any other business
14. Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 14 October 2010 at 10.00a.m in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 12.25p.m.
Cathal Boylan
Chairperson, Committee for the Environment
14 October 2010
30 September 10 / Menu
