COMMITTEE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY 10 MARCH 2011,
EVERGLADES HOTEL, LONDONDERRY
Present:
Mr Cathal Boylan (Chairperson)
Mr Thomas Buchanan
Mr Willie Clarke
Mr John Dallat
Mr Alastair Ross
Mr Peter Weir
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 Patsy McGlone
Mr George Savage
Mr Brian Wilson
The meeting began in public session at 10.04a.m.
1. Apologies
Apologies are listed above.
2. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting on 24 February 2011 were agreed.
2. Matters arising
Members noted a Departmental reply to Committee queries on the timetable for marine legislation.
Members expressed disappointment with the reply from NIEA to Committee queries on the spreading of sewage sludge on land.
Agreed: That the issue is included in the Committee’s Legacy Report.
Members noted a Departmental reply to Committee queries on the Rural White Paper.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Departmental letter regarding the Chief Local Government Auditor’s Code of Audit Practice.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department stating that, while accepting the process went ahead as proposed by the Department, members expressed disappointment at the length of time taken to produce a new code and that it would not be forthcoming in this mandate.
Members noted a Departmental reply to Committee queries on Downpatrick Planning Office.
Members noted a Departmental reply to Committee queries on Waste initiatives.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Departmental reply to Dundonald Green Belt Association queries on the Planning Bill.
Agreed: That a copy of the reply is forwarded to Dundonald Green Belt Association.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Departmental reply to Committee queries on mineral extraction planning fees.
Agreed: That a copy of the response is forwarded to QPANI.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with an anonymous letter from a member of the Taxi Enforcement Team, a Departmental reply to Committee queries on the team and a response to an Assembly question from Mr McGlone MLA.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department stating that members are concerned that there appear to be discrepancies between the Departmental reply and the reply to the Assembly question and requested clarification on the 2 replies.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Letter from NILGA re Welfare of Animals Bill and a memo from the ARD Committee.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to DARD asking them to continue close communication with NILGA in relation to this issue.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to NILGA asking them to continue their dialogue and negotiation in relation to this Bill.
Members noted a Departmental reply to Committee queries on the Roe Valley Hydro Electric Scheme and the funding of NGOs.
Members noted a letter from DFP on the amount of Landfill Tax generated in Northern Ireland.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Departmental reply to Committee queries on the Wild Birds Directive.
Agreed: That the response is forwarded to CNCC for comment.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department asking for more information on how the Department will consult with landowners if it decides to implement option 2 and for more information on the risks that may be involved due to the delays in introducing marine legislation .
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Letter from DARD re Rural Proofing.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department stating that the Committee has been advised by DARD that policy makers are now required to produce a Rural Issues Statement as part of the public consultation process and members requested a copy of the Rural Issues Statement that the Department produced for the consultation on the Landspreading of Wastes from Abattoirs and the Preparation and Processing of Meat, Fish and Other Foods of Animal Origin.
Members noted a Departmental reply to Committee queries on the Draft PPS 16 Consultation and responses received to date.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with a Note of meeting with Public Hire Coalition.
Agreed: That the note is forwarded to the Department for comment.
Members noted a Departmental response to Committee queries on its Climate Change Inquiry report.
The Chairperson informed members they had been provided with End of Session and Legacy Reports.
Agreed: That, subject to minor amendments, the reports are published on the Assembly website.
3.Briefing by Pat Ramsey MLA on the Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill
Mr Ramsey briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions onthe Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill .
The main areas of discussion were enforcement of the Bill, an outline of the consultation on the Bill, examples of similar Bills in other countries, the cost of implementing the Bill and the impact the Bill would have on cycling.
4. Briefing by Headway NI on the Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill
Representatives from Headway NI briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions onthe Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill .
The main areas of discussion were the effects of not wearing a helmet, legislation in other countries, enforcement and education.
6. CTC/Sustrans briefing on the Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill
Representatives from CTC/Sustrans briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions onthe Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill .
The main areas of discussion were the effect the Bill could have on tourism and businesses, enforcement and education.
7. Briefing by the Road Safety Authority
A Representative from the Road Safety Authority briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions onits role.
The main areas of discussion were the extent of co-operation with the Department of the Environment, road safety education, insurance incentives, cross-border police co-operation and work with young offenders.
9. Proposal for secondary legislation
SL1 – The Landfill (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2011
Agreed: That the Committee is content for the Department to proceed with the policy.
SL1 – The Planning (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011, synopsis of responses to consultation and Departmental responses
to Committee queries
Agreed: That the Committee is content for the Department to proceed with the policy.
SL1 and synopsis of responses to consultation - Proposed amendments to the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations to provide for conspicuity markings on heavy goods and DVA enforcement vehicles and to Lighting / Construction and Use Regulations to allow the use of blue lamps / sirens on mountain rescue vehicles
Agreed: That the Committee is content for the Department to proceed with the policy.
SL1 - The Waste Regulations (NI) 2011
Agreed: That the Committee is content for the Department to proceed with the policy.
10. Statutory Rules
SR – The Marine Licensing (Appeals) Regulations (NI) 2011
Agreed: That the Committee for the Environment has considered SR -The Marine Licensing (Appeals) Regulations (NI) 2011 and recommends that the rule be affirmed by the Assembly.
SR - The Marine Licensing (Civil Sanctions) Order (NI) 2011
Agreed: That the Committee for the Environment has considered SR - The Marine Licensing (Civil Sanctions) Order (NI) 2011 and recommends that the rule be affirmed by the Assembly.
11. Consultations
Proposed changes to the Learner and Restricted Driver Schemes and on Graduated Driver Licensing
Agreed: That a copy of the synopsis of responses is requested.
Draft Recycling Policy
Agreed: That a copy of the synopsis of responses is requested
Consultation on an Invasive Alien Species Strategy
Agreed: That the Committee is content for the Department to proceed with the policy.
12. Correspondence
Email from Liz Fawcett requesting copies of Departmental responses regarding Committee queries in relation to the Belfast City Airport.
Agreed: That a copy of the responses are sent to Liz Fawcett.
Request from a student to meet with a member of the Committee to discuss the problems and barriers that prevent households from adopting green technology.
Agreed: That a member of the Committee meets with the student.
Email from NIEL detailing concerns regarding PPS24 and a request to meet with the Committee to discuss these issues.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to NIEL indicating that due to time constraints the Committee would not be able to meet but individual members may arrange a meeting.
Further request from Belfast Healthy Cities for members to complete the 2011 World Health Organisation Health Study questionnaire.
Draft Committee response regarding the proposed cessation of the Sustainable Development Commission.
Agreed: That the response is forwarded to OFMdFM Committee.
Draft Committee response regarding European Engagement.
Agreed: That the response is forwarded to OFMdFM Committee.
Letter and correspondence from Mr Jones on behalf of the Waringstown objectors regarding the development of the orchard garden part of the listed Grange building.
Agreed: That the correspondence is forwarded to the Department for comment.
Members noted the following correspondence:
Letter re the DOE budget and the proposed suspending of the second survey of buildings for listing.
Letter of response to the Planning Bill. Due to Council procedures the response was delayed.
Copy of the quarterly update of the monitoring of Departmental Post Project Evaluations.
Letter re the Taxi Operator Licensing supplementary consultation on proposals for new fee structure and fee level.
Correspondence from Sperrin Tourism referred to the Committee from Strabane District Council re Deposit Refund Litter scheme.
Letter re the refusal of planning application A/2009/0212/F – home shopping delivery facility – Buncrana Road, Londonderry.
Letter of response to the Committee queries regarding the Rural White Paper.
Response to correspondence from the Committee in relation to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Action Plan.
Departmental responses to Clause 226(3) & Clause 102 of the Planning Bill.
Letter re the WWF Northern Ireland manifesto for 2011.
Memo/press release regarding responses to the consultation on the draft Budget 2011-15.
Letter to endorse the BMRG’s submission to the Planning Bill.
Memo to inform the Committee that the Department will not be forwarding views on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions document.
Note of key issues and decisions taken at the CLG meeting – Tuesday 1 March 2011.
Copy of the NIAO Report – Safeguarding Northern Ireland’s Listed Buildings.
12. Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 23 March 2011 at 1.00p.m.in Room 144.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 2.15p.m.
Cathal Boylan
Chairperson, Committee for the Environment
23 March 2011
24 February 11 / Menu
