Minutes of Proceedings
Session: 2007/2008
Date: 13 March 2008
COMMITTEE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY 13 MARCH 2008,
CONFERENCE ROOM, CAUSEWAY HOTEL
Present: Mr Patsy McGlone (Chairperson)
Mr Billy Armstrong
Mr Cathal Boylan
Mr David Ford
Mr Tommy Gallagher
Mr Samuel Gardiner
Mr Daithi McKay
Mr Alastair Ross
Mr Peter Weir
In Attendance: Ms Patricia Casey (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Sean McCann (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Chris Corr (Clerical Officer)
Apologies: Mr Trevor Clarke
Mr Ian McCrea
The meeting commenced in public session at 10.34a.m.
1. Apologies
Apologies are detailed above
2. Minutes
Agreed – the draft minutes were agreed.
3. Matters Arising
The Chairperson informed members that the draft response to the PPS14 Emerging Findings document had been included in members’ meeting packs. The Committee deliberated on the response.
Agreed: That the response is issued to the Minister.
4. Moyle District Council/National Trust Briefing on Proposals for Giant’s Causeway Visitors’ Centre
Representatives from Moyle District Council and the National Trust briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions on their proposals for the Giant’s Causeway Visitors’ Centre.
Agreed: That the National Trust forward their speaking notes to the Committee for information.
5. National Trust briefing on Shifting Shores Report
Representatives from the National Trust briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions on their Shifting Shores Report.
6. Proposals for Secondary Legislation
SL1 – The Draft Waste Management Licences (Consultation and Compensation) (NI) Regulations 2008.
Agreed: That the Committee considered The Draft Waste Management Licences (Consultation and Compensation) (NI) Regulations 2008 and had no objections to the proposal.
SL1 – Proposed Regulations to Prohibit the Use of Lead Shot Over Wetlands
Agreed: That Departmental officials are invited to brief the Committee at a future meeting.
7. Statutory Rules
SR 2008/75 – The Waste (Amendment) (2007 Order) (Commencement No 2) Order (NI) 2008.
Question put and agreed:
That the Committee for the Environment has considered the SR 2008/75 – The Waste (Amendment) (2007 Order) (Commencement No 2) Order (NI) 2008 rule and has no objection to the rule.
8. Correspondence
1. Members noted an invitation from The Participation Network to attend “Participation in Public Decision Making: What Works?” networking seminar.
2. Members noted an e-mail from the Department notifying the Committee that, following consultation, the Minister intends to proceed with the introduction of a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) scheme and mandatory registration of motorcycle instructors in Northern Ireland. A summary of the consultation is included.
3. Email from Business in the Community outlining the organisation’s strategic vision of corporate responsibility and requesting a meeting with the Committee.
Agreed: That Business in the Community are invited to a future Committee meeting.
4. Members noted a letter from the Minister informing the Committee of her intention to announce her decision on a number of planning applications in the near future.
5. Response from the Association of Preservation Trusts to Committee’s request for a list of work in progress. A copy of the APT’s response to the Environmental Heritage Service’s proposals to amend the Historic Buildings Grant Aid Scheme is also included.
Agreed: That this response is considered further at the Committee meeting on 3 April 2008.
6. Members noted a response from the Department regarding Committee request for synopsis of responses to The Draft Quality of Bathing Water (Northern Ireland) Regulations.
7. Members noted an invitation from the Ulster Wildlife Trust and WWF Northern Ireland to a stakeholder workshop for a Marine Protected Areas Project in Northern Ireland.
8. Members note a letter from the Office of the Speaker requesting that Members participate in a Woodland Trust-sponsored tree planting ceremony on the Stormont estate, scheduled to take place in April.
9. SR 2008/77 The producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008.
Question put and agreed:
That the Committee for the Environment has considered the SR 2008/77 The producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 rule and has no objection to the rule.
10. Members noted a letter from the Minister notifying the Committee of her intention to announce a decision on a number of planning applications in the near future.
11. SL1 - Nitrates Action Programme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008.
Agreed: That Departmental officials are invited to brief the Committee at a future meeting.
Agreed: That clarity is sought from DARD and DOE as to who is the lead Department on this SL1.
12. Members noted a copy of the Departmental Forward Work Programme 1 April – 30 June.
13. Enquiry from Naomi Long MLA referring to correspondence from Ms. Claire Brennan regarding lack of provision of seatbelts on school buses.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department seeking clarification on the DRD £3.4m transport underspend.
Agreed: That a copy of the report on school bus safety from the previous Environment Committee is forwarded to all members and the All Party Working Group on Road Safety.
Agreed: That a letter is sent to Ms Long informing her that the Committee is content that the All Party Working Group on Road Safety take forward the issue of seatbelt provision on school buses.
Members noted the following DOE Press Releases and publications:
14. DOE News releases –
“Builders store demolished in Carrickmore”
“Man fined for failing to remove pigeon sheds”
“Man fined for illegal signage”
“Man fined £1,500 for illegal signage”
“Foster checks out Scottish planning system”
“Minister emphasizes importance of recycling”
“Forum hears of threat from invasive species”15. Environmental Protection Agency (UK) March 2008 newsletter
9. Any Other Business
The Chairperson informed members that a Press Release would issue after the meeting on the Committee’s visit to the Causeway.
10. Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 3 April 2008 at 10.30am in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 12.40p.m.
