Minutes of Proceedings

Session: 2008/2009

Date: 29 January 2009

COMMITTEE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY 29 JANUARY 2009,
SENATE CHAMBER, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present:
Mr Patsy McGlone (Chairperson)
Mr Roy Beggs
Mr Cathal Boylan
Mr Trevor Clarke
Mr David Ford
Mr Tommy Gallagher
Mr David McClarty
Mr Ian McCrea
Mr Daithi McKay
Mr Alastair Ross
Mr Peter Weir

In Attendance:
Dr Alex McGarel (Assembly Clerk)
Mr William Long (Assistant Clerk)
Mr Sean McCann (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Richard Keating (Clerical Supervisor)

Apologies:

The meeting began in public session at 10.36 a.m.

1. Apologies

There were no apologies.

2. Minutes

Agreed – the draft minutes of the meeting on 22 January were agreed.

3. Matters Arising

Draft Committee Response to UK Marine and Coastal Access Bill – Legislative Consent Motion:

The Chairperson informed members that a copy of the Committee’s draft response on the UK Marine and Coastal Access Bill – Legislative Consent Motion had been included in the meeting papers for their consideration and approval.

Agreed: That the draft response is issued

Draft Committee Response to the Proposals to Introduce a Fees and Charges Scheme under the Water Abstraction and Impoundment (Licensing) Regulations (NI) 2006:

The Chairperson informed members that a copy of the Committee’s draft response on the proposals to introduce a fees and charges scheme under the Water Abstraction and Impoundment Regulations had been included in the meeting papers for their consideration and approval.

Agreed: That the draft response is issued

Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation Social Action Plan 2009 – 2014:

The Chairperson informed members that following the Committee’s consideration of the NIAUR’s consultation on its Social Action Plan for 2009 – 2014 at the meeting on 22 January, it was agreed the Committee should seek clarification on how other relevant Committees propose to respond on the Plan. The Chairperson informed members how the DETI, DSD and DRD Committees would respond.

Agreed: That the Committee requests a copy of the Department’s response on the Plan

Mr Gallagher joined the meeting at 10.40a.m.
Mr McCrea joined the meeting at 10.40a.m.

Climate Change Inquiry – Special Advisor Criteria:

The Chairperson informed members that they had been provided with updated details on the fees and expenses in relation to the list of potential special advisors for information.

Agreed: That the Terms of Reference for the Special Advisor post be considered at next week’s meeting.

Mr McKay joined the meeting at 10.45a.m.

Invitation from Rose Energy to visit Glenavy site:

The Chairperson informed members that they had been provided with a copy of an invitation from Rose Energy, dated 8 October 2008, to visit the Glenavy site of the proposed biomass power station.

Agreed: That members visit the Glenavy site and invite a small delegation from those in favour and those opposed to the plant to come along

Epic IT Planning System:

The Chairperson informed members that the Department had written outlining times available for any member wishing to view the Epic planning system in operation.

Agreed: That members indicate availability to Committee staff

Mr Boylan joined the meeting at 10.50a.m.
Mr Ford joined the meeting at 10.51a.m.
Mr Weir joined the meeting at 11.05a.m.

4. Departmental briefing on Article 31 Planning Application – Craigmore Quarry

Departmental officials briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions on Article 31 Planning Application – Craigmore Quarry.

Agreed: That DOE Water Management officials, Roads Service officials and NIEA officials are invited to brief the Committee on this issue at a future meeting.

5. Departmental briefing on the Performance Efficiency and Delivery Unit (PEDU) review of the Planning Service

Departmental officials briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions on the Performance Efficiency and Delivery Unit (PEDU) review of the Planning Service.

Agreed: That details of the Downpatrick recovery action plan are forwarded to the Committee along with details of ongoing training for planning agents.

6. Forward Work Programme

Members noted the Committee’s Forward Work Programme.

7. Correspondence
  • Members noted a letter from the Clerk to the Committee for Health, Social Services & Public Safety inviting the Committee for the Environment to submit evidence to its Inquiry into Obesity.
  • Members noted a letter from the Minister providing an update on the latest plans for UK consultation on the Carbon Reduction Commitment.
  • Members noted a Departmental response providing clarification on the areas that DOE has responsibility for in respect of building regulations for reducing carbon content in new buildings.
  • Members noted a copy of a response from the DOE Minister to a query from Iris Robinson, Chair DHSS&PS Committee regarding tree planting on city streets in Northern Ireland.
  • Members noted a letter from NIEA regarding the declaration of an ASSI at Castle Point.
  • Members noted a letter from NIEA regarding the declaration of an ASSI at Cloghinny.
  • Members noted a letter from Joan Devlin, Programme Director regarding the annual report from Belfast Healthy Cities 2007/08.
  • Departmental response regarding the priority of the four Local Government Bills in the DOE’s programme of work.

    Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department expressing concern over the possible use of accelerated passage with these Bills.

  • Members noted a letter from NIEA regarding the declaration of an ASSI at Lower Creevagh.
  • Members noted a letter from NIEA regarding the declaration of an ASSI at Lislea.
  • Members noted a letter from NIEA regarding the declaration of ASSI at Camlough Quarry.
  • Members noted an invitation for Chairperson to speak at conference with Northern Ireland Planning Service, taking place in the Culloden Hotel on Thursday 2 nd April 2009.

    Agreed: Invitation to be accepted on behalf of Chairperson

  • Members noted the following DOE Press Releases / Publications:

    “Farmer fined £2000 for silage effluent pollution”

    “ Enniskillen Castle to host World Rally Championship”

    “ Wilson welcomes drop in Christmas drink drive detections”

    “Public invited to PPS 21 information days”

    “Ministers ride to the rescue of the horse mussel”

    “Lisburn scrap metal merchant fined £5000 for waste offences”

    “Northern Ireland Water fined £5000 for polluting discharge to a waterway”

    “Minister sets out rural design guide hopes”

    “Lisburn man fined for planning offences”

8. Any other business
9. Date, time and place of next meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 5 February 2009 at 10.30am in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 12.30 p.m.

Patsy McGlone
Chairperson, Committee for the Environment
5 February 2009

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