MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 12th OCTOBER 2009
In the Chair: Councillor C McShane
Members Present: Councillors M Black, S Blaney, H A Harding, G Hartin, W Graham, A P McConaghy, R D McDonnell, R A McIlroy, O McMullan, P McShane, C Newcombe.
Also Present: Mr R G Lewis, Clerk and Chief Executive
Mrs M Quinn, Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Corporate Services
Mr A McPeake, Head of Technical Services
Ms L Mooney, Member Services/Clerical Officer
09/20:01 APOLOGIES AND CHAIRMAN’S BUSINESS
Apologies were received on behalf of Councillors O Black, McAllister and McCambridge.
Chairman’s Business
Meetings in Council facilities
Councillor Graham stated that there had been a meeting on Friday night in the Mayor’s Parlour and enquired if this had been a political meeting.
Councillor C McShane stated that this had been a constituents meeting.
Councillor Graham stated that he had copies of the names of attendees and informed members that this did not appear to be a constituents meeting.
Councillor C McShane stated that this was a constituents meeting and informed members that she was moving on with the meeting.
Councillor Graham stated that Councillor C McShane must answer the allegations as this kind of meeting was not permitted within Council facilities.
Councillor McConaghy stated that there was a policy of no political parties being permitted to hold meetings.
Councillor M Black stated that she had been under this impression.
Councillor Graham requested that this item be placed on the agenda so that this would not occur again.
Councillor P McShane stated that under equality Council should not be seen to keep anyone out.
Councillor Blaney stated that this had been agreed when the DUP had held a meeting.
After discussion, it was agreed that the rules surrounding political meetings in Council facilities would be considered at a future Council Meeting.
09/20:02 MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 14th SEPTEMBER 2009
The minutes of the Council Meeting held on 14th September 2009, having been circulated, were taken as read.
After discussion,
Councillor McConaghy proposed,
Seconded by Councillor M Black and resolved,
“That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 14th September be adopted”.
09/20:03 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 14TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Woodvale Toilets
Councillor McConaghy referred to the sale of public toilets at Woodvale. He stated that he was opposed to giving these away but that a decision had to be made. He informed members that there was a council van at the toilets last week to clear graffiti.
Councillor Graham stated that there had been a person on the phone to him and that he had been informed that the highest bidder would give more money.
Councillor McMullan stated that this item was to be discussed at a later stage in the meeting as part of the agenda.
After further discussion, it was agreed that the Woodvale toilets would remain on the open market.
Kiosks at the Causeway Visitor’s Centre
Councillor McIlroy enquired if the notices had been issued to the Kiosks at the Causeway.
The Clerk stated that he was not sure of this but would look into it.
09/20:04 PRESENTATION FROM MICHAEL HARPUR OF B9 ENERGY AND ASSOCIATES
Councillor C McShane welcomed Michael Harpur, Colm de Burca and Barbara Swann to the meeting and invited them to make their presentation.
Mr Harpur thanked members for permitting them to make their presentation.
He informed members that there were 50+ tidal technologies being demonstrated world wide and that at least 30 of these were in the UK at some stage of development. He outlined the market leaders, up and coming projects and a range of configurations used in such projects.
Mr Harpur explained how the different turbines operated. He stated that this was a serious industry and that a great deal of effort was being put into bringing it forward, and it was no longer hypothetical.
He stated that in terms of resource it was not easy to recover. He informed members that use of the sea bed was complex and indicated the photography of the sea bed to members.
Mr Harpur stated that there were areas of potential impact and that there had to be careful consideration of environmental assessment with regards to siting. He outlined potential impact areas including; geology, coastal processed, water quality and suspended sediments, noise, conservation designations, ornithology, large marine species, benthic and inter-tidal ecology, terrestrial ecology, fish and shellfish ecology, shipping and navigation, commercial fisheries, landscape and seascape, archaeology and cultural heritage and socio-economic considerations including tourism and recreation.
Mr deBurca stated that in summary NI had excellent renewable resources. He informed members that estimated benefit to NI through increased security of supply, economic development and carbon saving was £50m per annum. He stated that the significant tidal resource off Antrim coast presented a particular opportunity for Moyle to derive economic benefits. He concluded by saying that strong existing capabilities in marine industry and academic institutions could be used as platform to develop the supply chain for the emerging industry.
Ms Swann stated that renewable technologies could contribute to NI security and diversity of energy, reduce over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and their price volatility, lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and provide NI with business/supply chain opportunities to service growing national/international markets.
She referred to the target for 12% renewable electricity by 2012, she informed members that this was to be met mainly by onshore wind but that there was a need to broaden the range of renewable technologies. She informed members that she was working on Bio-energy for rural and agricultural areas. She stated that the Draft Strategic Energy Framework called for more sustainable system where energy was used as efficiently as possible, where much more energy was from renewable sources and where generation was as competively priced as possible. She informed members that the target for renewable electricity was 40% for 2020, she stated that a lot more work was required to reach this target.
Ms Swann stated that DETI were involved in a project steering group of relevant NI departments and agencies and that a dedicated website had been created. She informed members that a scoping report and seminar had been held in May 2009 and that this was a key stage in setting out the issues to be assessed. She stated that Moyle District Council had been represented at this event.
She stated that the key Environmental Report of DETI’s Strategic Action Plan was to be published for a three month consultation in November/December. She stated that this report was a significant, technical document and that there were plans to hold a seminar in this period
Ms Swann stated that DETI were working with the Crown Estate to bring forward a commercial call for projects later in 2010 – 11. She informed members that there would be ongoing engagement, as appropriate, with public, private and NGO sector throughout the process. She stated that Council’s contribution would be valued and that they were keen to engage with Council.
In reply to Councillor Newcombe, Mr Harpur confirmed that no application had yet been made regarding the proposed wind farm at Portrush.
Councillor Newcombe stated that he believed that this proposal had met with a lot of opposition and asked how far the consultation would go and what consideration would be given to these views.
Mr Harpur stated that he was happy to discuss off shore wind energy but that this was not the subject for tonight. He stated that there would be a series of consultations.
Ms Swann informed members that this would be at a strategic level and that it would help identify what developments could go ahead.
In reply to Councillor Newcombe, Mr Harpur stated that models had been carried out of the seabed off Fair Head and all the way along the coast to Portstewart.
In reply to Councillor Newcombe, Mr de Burca stated that the visual impacts would be very different for Portstewart and here.
In reply to Councillor McIlroy, Mr de Burca stated that the unit at Strangford Lough was producing power but had restrictions.
Mr Harpur stated that developers were coming here to set up and develop technologies
Councillor Newcombe enquired about the decommissioning of the equipment when 25 years was up.
Mr Harpur stated that part of the permission would be that a bond would be required to have a decommissioning fund in place.
Councillor C McShane thanked Mr Harpur and guests for the presentation.
09/20:05 PRESENTATION FROM JOHN MURRAY FROM THE ULSTER SCOTS COMMUNITY NETWORK
Councillor C McShane welcomed Mr John Murray from Ulster Scots Community Network.
Mr Murray thanked members and stated that it was a pleasure to be able to come to present to them. He informed members that Ulster Scots meant a lot to the people. He stated that his organisation represented nine counties.
He referred to the pictures on the first page of his handout and informed members that the Kingdom of Dalriada was seated at Dunseverick.
He informed members that in terms of identity a race of people who had moved back here from Scotland over 400 years ago. He stated that this historical travel between Ulster and Scotland still continued to happen.
Mr Murray stated that the language was not invented as part of the Good Friday Agreement as some would believe. He informed members that Ulster Scots was an official language and had European recognition which the governments of Ireland and UK had signed up to.
He stated that it was a language for all and while some would have issues with the cultural aspect of Ulster Scots the language was universal. He informed members that in terms of speaking zones the three main places were North Antrim, East Donegal and parts of Co Down. He stated that North Antrim was the largest notable speaking area.
Mr Murray stated that with regards to the language development he informed members that the Ullans Speakers Association in Ballymoney dealt with the promotion of the language to the wider community and working with schools with language programmes. He informed members that they were working in partnership with Irish, another minority EU Language especially when examining signage translations etc. He informed members that both work together and that this was not a political issue.
He informed members that the Ulster Scots Community Network helped to represent over 230 members across the 9 counties of Ulster. He stated that there were currently seven member groups within the Moyle Council Area. He stated that they also provided help with marketing, promotions, media, project management and funding etc. He informed members that local members had raised concerns about Moyle Council and their lack of official recognition which had featured in local newspapers and caused offence to members.
Mr Murray stated that in working with Councils help and advice was given regarding Ulster Scots activities, events, promotions and ensuring inclusion. He informed members that there had been leaflets distributed and promotion of Ulster Scots with free exhibitions such as ‘St Patrick’ and ‘When Ulster Sailed West’ etc. He stated that examples of this were in the information packs. He informed members that other services available included the Ulster Scots Artists directory, free translation services from the Ullans Speakers Association and USCN. He stated that they could also provide links with groups which did not generally interact with government.
Mr Murray invited member’s questions.
Councillor Graham stated that he had heard too many times from Nationalist Councillors that Ulster Scots was not a language.
Mr Murray stated that it was strange that Moyle Council would argue this point.
Councillor Blaney stated that he could not understand that Ulster Scots would be a language. He stated that signs all over the specified areas did not include Ulster Scots nor did they need to be changed.
In reply to Councillor Harding, Mr Murray stated that the word Ullans meant Ulster Low Lands.
Councillor McIlroy thanked Mr Murray for his presentation and stated that he hoped that this would promote more tolerance and acceptance of each other’s language.
Mr Murray stated that the language was recognised by the European Parliament and that it was a written language. He stated that they asked for respect of this fact.
In reply to Councillor McDonnell, Mr Murray stated that he did speak the language and could run courses on it.
Councillor McMullan stated that he welcomed the presentation and that he had never seen anyone in the Council chamber that would drive it away. He stated that he had asked some time ago for a presentation from the Ulster Scots Community
Councillor C McShane thanked Mr Murray for attending and stated that tolerance for both languages was needed.
09/20:06 REPORT FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Report for Technical Services Department having been circulated, was taken as read.
Additional Items for Blue Recycling Bins
The HTS stated that it had been agreed with the Recycling Company Glassdon, that cartons including tetra pak, plastic yogurt tubs, plastic margarine tubs, plastic food trays and plastic containers could now be collected and processed through the kerbside blue bin recycling scheme. He stated that this was in addition to the aerosols which were added recently and that this information would be printed in the Moyle Matters due for delivery to all homes in Moyle shortly. He stated that a sample of the new literature detailing additional items had also been ordered through the North West Regional Waste Management Group was attached and a mail shot to all homes within the North West Group would be delivered in the near future.