LCDC meeting notes by environmental representative Cornelia Wahli – 14th April 2021

by badminme | Apr 19, 2021 | Local Community Development Committee, Members News, PPN News

LCDC meeting notes by environmental representative Cornelia Wahli – 14th April 2021

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Clare LCDC (Local Community Development Committee)

Meeting – Wednesday, 14.04.2021 @ 15:00 pm

Meeting Notes from PPN Environmental Representative, Cornelia Wahli

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PPN Reps Present:   Niamh O’Callaghan, Hillary Tonge, Mary O’Donoghue, Cornelia Wahl

1. Minutes for meeting dated 24.02.2021

Adopted

2. LCDC Membership up-date:

4 LCDC members completed their 2-term membership:

• Mary O’Donoghue                Clare PPN Rep for Social Inclusion
• Helen Downs                       Business Sector – Shannon Chamber of Commerce
• Andrew Dundas                   Agriculture Farming Sector
• Margaret Slattery                Clare Youth Service

3 new members proposed for LCDC membership and proposals adopted

• Margaret O’Brien Business Sector     Ennis Chamber of Commerce
• Thomas Lane                                     Agriculture Farming Sector
• Brian McManus                                  Clare Youth Service

3. LCDC 2020 – Annual Report

Presented by Deirdre Power

Greater emphasis on visual presentation of report with more photos and graphics

4. Clare PPN Presentation

Presented by Cornelia Wahli, Clare PPN Environmental Representative and included the following:

• Outcomes from the recent pilot project run by Clare PPN on the topic of

‘Climate Action Plan and Fund’ for the Department of the Environment, Climate Action and Communications

in summary included the following concerns and hopes of Clare PPN member groups in broad terms:

1. Centre-stage given to the environment instead of being placed at the end of reports, discussions and decisions
2. Public information campaign about the current state of the environment requested
3. Local level solutions
4. Coherence between government departments nationally, regionally and locally
5. Designated biodiversity office and officer
6. Nature based solutions
7. ‘Organic Clare’ brand and culture change

Two examples of the type of actions which could emerge from LCDC were chosen from above concerns and hopes from the pilot project:

• Organic Clare
• Proper hedgerow maintenance

• On the question of main issues in the current Local Economic and Community Plan 2016 – 2021 in regard to Climate Change Actions, the conclusion was that Climate Change and Biodiversity featured lightly only and only toward the very back of the document
• On the question of main solutions in the current Local Economic and Community Plan 2016 – 2021 in regard to Climate Change Actions, the conclusion was that ‘Actions’ and ‘Current Benchmark’ information could be listed in Section 1, demonstrating their importance at the start of the document.
• On the question of how the issues may feed into the remit of the LCDC, the conclusion was that the solution lies in the opportunity to harness the strength of the LCDC which lies in its diversity of organisations and people with richness in experience and expertise, working together and coherently (See: Appendix)
• On the question of identification of main issues or solutions that could be worked into the upcoming LECP review, the conclusion was
• ‘No more business as usual’ however ‘no need to re-invent the wheel when existing visions are harnessed as guiding light’. (See: Appendix: Visions – Clare PPN, Operation de-Plastification and LECP)
• ‘Green spectacles for green solutions’ – ‘United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ (See: Appendix)
• looking through a different lens for a completely different approach for the document itself and for finding solutions may be of good service
• ‘Centre-stage’ needs to be given to a healthy environment with rich and dynamic biological diversity in all LCDC and SPC decisions
• A different attitude to land, air, water and all forms of biology is needed for local communities to thrive
• For environmental action to thrive, local, individual, group and community based initiatives with ‘high nature value and land use’ require ‘core funding’ from simple and easily accessed ‘matched environmental funds’

It was concluded in the presentation that, based on the Clare PPN pilot project outcomes, for an effective Local Community Development Committee and for an effective Local Economic and Community Plan, Climate Action and Biodiversity need to be given centre-stage in all decisions and all of the time.

To follow up:       One committee member mentioned the Organic College.  It would be interesting to follow up on this comment with that committee member

5. AOB

The ‘Community Wealth Building – the Preston Model’ was briefly introduced with the suggestion of having a presentation on the topic for the next LCDC meeting in July 2021

One committee member suggested to open up this presentation to a wider audience, maybe through Clare PPN, which was received positively

Next meeting: 28^th July 2021

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Appendix:

Visions

Clare PPN Overall Wellbeing Vision Statement for County Clare:

Clare is a county that values, protects and restores its unique landscape, environment and biodiversity

• where sustainable livelihoods are prioritised for this and future generations
• where citizens, migrants, ethnic minorities and people of all abilities, age groups and genders can reach their potential in an atmosphere of support, respect and inclusion
• where Local Government is open, transparent, accountable and committed to reducing poverty and marginalisation within the County

Our vision is for a County to be part of and a County to be proud of                                                    Source: Clare PPN Wellbeing Statements

Clare PPN Environmental Aspects of Wellbeing Vision Statement for Clare:

• Clare’s unique natural environment, biodiversity and heritage are valued and protected Land use and farming are organized in a way that produces affordable, nutritious food, protects the environment and gives food producers a decent living
• Sustainable farming and organic food production for local sale are supported
• People are educated and encouraged to grow their own food
• Our electricity is generated from renewable sources
• Policy favours community-owned wind energy and micro-generation, and all projects have community consent
• All homes and public buildings are energy efficient
• Car dependency has been greatly reduced through investment in public transport, cycling and walking routes
• Consumption and waste are reduced through use of shared resources
• Re-use and recycling are encouraged
• Biodiversity is protected and promoted through the planting of native broadleaved trees, banning harmful pesticides and herbicides, reduced use of chemical fertilisers and public green spaces being left un-mowed
• People are empowered to take responsibility for their environment through education and initiatives such as community clean-up days and community gardens The climate and biodiversity crisis are front and centre in all local authority policy and strategy documents                                                                                                                                                                             Source: Clare PPN Wellbeing Statements

Operation de-Plastification’s Vision for County Clare

An Organic, Chemical-free and GMO-free County Clare is able to solve and combat a wealth of serious and damaging environmental threats, such as

• water pollution, air pollution, soil pollution
• species extinction, habitat loss and loss of biodiversity

Many of today’s extreme and alarming environmental ails can be cured with the simple but courageous decision of declaring County Clare Organic, where open pollinated organic heirloom and heritage seeds with their more robust properties and greater adaptability to changing environmental conditions are grown and saved.

Declaring County Clare Organic is a move toward sustainability which allows for a harmonious and creative collaboration between government, farmer, grower and citizen with a nature-centred approach and solution to climate change and the soil, water and air pollution crisis.

Going Organic is an opportunity for Clare County Council to show real leadership, foresight and future proofing for its citizens and equally for its fauna and flora as well as for its air, water and soil. Furthermore, such a brave step would help other Irish counties and other nations to follow suit in turning an environmental challenge into an amazing opportunity.

With the unfolding of the pandemic and the consequent shift to a new reality and normality, Organic Clare sparkles like the jewel in the crown, like a beacon that heralds a sustainable future for our generation as well as future citizens promising clean water, clean air and clean soil.

Taking action now can stem back the flood of despair that is sure to follow if remaining on the trodden path …. “become the change that you want to see in the world today” (Gandhi)

Source: Operation de-Plastification, 15.11.2020

Submission for Clare County Development Plan

LECP Vision

A County that ….

• for all its people, nurtures an ethos of wellbeing, social inclusion and creativity
• cherishes and sustains, for future generations, its environmental inheritance
• fosters entrepreneurship and provides quality employment
• offers cutting-edge research and development challenges, while providing education and training opportunities that are inspirational and accessible

Source: LECP 2016 -2021, p. 2 and p. 3

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

LCDC Meeting Notes by Cornelia Wahli, Environmental Representative Clare PPN, 25.2.2021

by badminme | Mar 11, 2021 | Local Community Development Committee, Members News, PPN News

Clare County Council – Local Community and Development Committee

Meeting 24^th February 2021 @ 11am – 12.30pm

Meeting Notes by Cornelia Wahli, Environmental Representative Clare PPN, 25.2.2021

1. Minutes and matters arising

“Climate Change as an agenda item”

Discussion on how “Climate change as an agenda item” was being handled by other LCDCs. The feedback was that while SPCs were the appropriate fora for climate change discussions, the LCDCs were not. Also, it would be inappropriate to have an agenda item for the sake of having the agenda item.

Statements made in agreement and disagreement of above feedback.

Cornelia Wahli elaborated at length as to the need and necessity of having such an agenda point. She accepted that no LCDC had such an agenda item but that such an item was necessary and that the Clare LCDC could lead here. Cornelia Wahli made various strong points that the current status quo was no longer acceptable and applicable and therefore a new point of view needed to be adopted by all committees and departments regardless whether currently viewed as relevant or not. The point made was that Climate Change is relevant everywhere at any time and therefore a new standpoint needed to be adopted/a new status quo. Open the door to green thinking.

Conclusion:

• Green agenda item adopted per se but not for every meeting, maybe every second meeting
• Suggestion that maybe Cornelia Wahli could give a presentation. Cornelia Wahli welcomed an opportunity to do so.
• Is it possible that after all of the presentations made to the LCDCs that there is still a void and blank when it comes to Climate Action and Biodiversity?

Target:                  To have a green agenda item ready for the next meeting.

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2. LCDC Membership:

4 members have reached the end of their term. A follow up email was sent and has been received in relation to this, i.e if one knew of someone interested in taking up the vacant positions.

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3. SICAP update

Traveller movement / Traveller organization point was raised. Response was that various measures were in place for Travellers. Response was made that various “bodies” including Clare PPN were collaborating at the moment to improve the situation for Travellers.

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4. Covid 19 Funding
5. Covid 19 issues / poverty

Both points were dealt with as one point.

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6. Any Other Business

• LECP (Local Economic and Community Plan). Pointed out that new plans are founded on old data, i.e. out of date census statistics etc are used. Request that for the new LECP, the census data from census 2021 (which I believe was moved to 3.4.2022 because of Covid 19) The new LECP review starting shortly, March: draft/guidelines, April: roll-out. No proper dates available yet but happening in the next two years. Some guess work as to when. Proper information to follow.

• Cornelia Wahli referred to the point of funding (see above points 4 and 5); asking whether a mechanism was in place where a community (group) that had received public funding could showcase their achievements. The point was raised since, as a newcomer to the committee, it was not clear, not visible to Cornelia Wahli what the outcome of the public funding was. This point was taken on board by the committee finding that it could be valuable to see in which locations and what type of projects received funding. Showcasing community efforts once a year on a voluntary basis was viewed positively.

Conclusion:          It would be very interesting for this committee to see how much funding goes to each village and town in total (location) as well as the types of projects that were more frequently successful (projects), also it would be interesting to see how many of the projects had “green” credentials.

Target:                  Submit “achievements showcase” as one “green agenda item” for the next meeting based on the “green” credentials point.

LCDC 22nd October 2020 reps report from Cornelia Wahli

by badminme | Nov 2, 2020 | Local Community Development Committee, Members News, PPN News

CLICK HERE to view Cornelia Wahli’s representative report on the Local Community Development Committee

Call for nominations for PPN Environment Representative for Local Community Development Committee

by badminme | Jun 22, 2020 | Local Community Development Committee, Members News, PPN News

June 22^nd 2020

Call for Nomination for Environmental Representative to sit on Clare County Council’s Local Community Development Committee:

As some of you will be aware Clare PPN has a number of representative seats on Clare County Council’s Committees.  We are currently looking for nominations for one Environment College Representative to sit on the Local Community Development Committee which is administered by Clare County Council. Only member groups of the Environment College of Clare PPN can nominate individuals for this seat and the nominees must themselves be a member of one of those groups.

 What is the Local Community Development Committee?

The Local Community Development Committee is comprised of Council Officials, Elected Councillors, and various business and community and voluntary group representatives.  Among other things LCDC has the job of developing and overseeing the community elements of Clare County Council’s 6 year- long Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). This is an important committee for Clare PPN and its members and we hold 5 seats on it.  This vacancy is for an environment seat and we would encourage nominations of people who have an understanding or experience or interest in any of the following areas; biodiversity, sustainability, policy making, renewable energy, food sustainability, circular economies, environmentally friendly agriculture, renewables and rural development.

For more details on Clare PPN’s other representatives on the LCDC see: http://clareppn.ie/local-community-development-committee/

For more details on the Local Community Development Committee itself see here

Who can make Nominations?
Every current Environmental College member group of Clare PPN can nominate one person for this position. Once all nominees have been received on or before July 3^rd at 5pm, Clare PPN will circulate their details and hold online elections in which all Environmental college member groups will be invited to vote.

Who can be Nominated?
Any person who is in an Environmental College member group of Clare PPN can be nominated for this position with the following exceptions

• Currently serving elected representatives at any level of government may not be nominated.
• Anyone who has contested local, EU or general elections in the last year may not be nominated.
• Those who have declared their intention to stand for general or local election can not be nominated.
• If someone is nominated and later decides to contest an election they will have to vacate their seat.
• Any individual can only hold one Committee seat for Clare PPN however individuals can be on the ‘Secretariat’ (The board) of Clare PPN as well as holding one seat on an external committee.

What’s involved in being a representative on the LCDC for Clare PPN?

The successful candidates will be required attend all LCDC meetings year on behalf of all the Environmental member groups in Clare PPN. These will be preceded by a brief pre-meeting with your fellow PPN reps on the same day at Clare PPN offices or online.

You will also be required to attend four Clare PPN plenary meetings per year and the occasional college group meeting and/ or training events. It is likely that you will need to attend a minimum of 12 meetings per year to carry out this role.

Each representative will be required to give a short report following the meetings of their committee to inform the other member groups and will be required to raise the issues or concerns of member groups at each meeting where possible. Clare PPN will provide support and introductory training for anyone who decides to take on these positions and travel expenses will be covered by Clare County Council and Clare PPN.

How do you Nominate Candidates?
• A candidate can only be the nominee for one representative position on one  committee. In the case that a person is nominated for more than one committee, we will contact them to ask them to select one which they wish to stand for.
• The candidate’s permission must be secured before they are nominated
• A fully completed form (see link below) with a clear photo and a short biography of the nominees (up to 200 words) must be submitted to admin@clareppn.ie Clare-PPN-LCDC-Representative-Election-Nomination-Form

• Nominations must be received by Friday July 3^rd at 5.00 pm after this date we will contact all members with the full list of candidates and ask for their votes.
  Please make sure you do nominate and then vote in these elections- we want to be sure our member groups are fully involved in selecting who they want to represent them on this important committee. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if any of the above confuses you or if you need any help. You can get us on 087-1617375 or admin@clareppn,ie