Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began in public session at 12:45pm.

1. Apologies

There were no apologies.

2. Matters arising

A copy of an amendment to the Committee motion on clarification of the intention of a Charge on Single Use Carrier Bags was not discussed as the debate had already started in Plenary Session.  Lord Morrow will wind the motion on behalf of the Committee.

Mr Campbell joined the meeting at 12:46pm.

3. Departmental briefing on Strangford Lough SAC

Departmental Officials briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions on Strangford Lough SAC.

The main area of discussion was the management of Strangford Lough SAC, concentrating on the protection, intervention and monitoring of the lough.

Lord Morrow joined the meeting at 12:48pm.

Mr Molloy joined the meeting at 12:50pm.

Mr Weir joined the meeting at 12:50pm.

Mr Hamilton left the meeting at 1:00pm.

Mrs Kelly left the meeting at 1:00pm.

Lord Morrow left the meeting at 1:03pm.

Mr Hamilton re-joined the meeting at 1:11pm.

Mr Dallat left the meeting at 1:14pm.

Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department asking for estimated costs of implementing the measures outlined in the reply to Ulster Wildlife Trust and how this may effect funding for other environmental projects. Also ask for a copy of the submission from the fishing industry to the EU Commission in relation to nitrates.

4. Marine Bill

Members noted an e mail from NILGA in relation to a Marine Management Organisation.

The Chairperson informed members that they had been provided with a late submission from the Department of Regional Development.

Agreed: That the Committee will accept the late submission from the Department of Regional Development.

5. British Ports Association/Belfast Harbour Commissioners briefing on Marine Bill

Representatives from the British Ports Association and the Belfast Harbour

Commissioners briefed the Committee and answered members’ questions on the Marine Bill.

The main areas of discussion were the British Ports Association and Belfast Harbour Commissioners submission in relation to the Marine Bill and their proposals for amendments to the Bill.

Mr Hazzard left the meeting at 1:24pm.

Mrs Kelly re-joined the meeting at 1:25pm.

Mr Weir left the meeting at 1:45pm.

Mr Campbell left the meeting at 1:55pm.

Mr Molloy left the meeting at 1:57pm.

Agreed: That a letter is sent to the Department asking for clarification on the dredging protocol.  Also ask what flexibility exists within the licensing process to allow the dredged material to be recycled or reused.

6. Date, time and place of next meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 31 May 2012 at 10:00am in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 2:07pm.

Anna Lo, MLA
Chairperson, Committee for the Environment
07 June 2012