The minutes of the meeting of the 26^th of November 2025 were proposed by Councillor D. Healy and seconded by Councillor J. Newman.  Councillor D. Healy requested an amendment to the Minutes regarding Agenda Item No. 2, Draft Fingal Sustainability Strategy (CABE/20/25) to include a note that ‘Feedback from Members to the Consultants was noted for consideration’. Minutes to be amended and brought to June SPC meeting for approval.

A presentation was given to the members by Jennifer Muscheidt, Environmental Awareness Officer.

The presentation was NOTED.

It was proposed by Paul Flynn and seconded by Councillor D. Healy

“Recommendation for approval of the Anti-Litter Anti-Graffiti grant to be given at the next CPG meeting.”

A presentation was given to the members by Enda Hoey, Senior Executive Scientist.

The presentation was NOTED.

Bridget Loughlin, Climate Action Coordinator gave a progress report on the Climate Action Plan.  Members were advised that the full report will go to the Council meeting in May 2026.

The report was NOTED.

It was AGREED to defer this item to the next meeting in June.

The motion in the name of P. Flynn, was proposed by P. Flynn and seconded by Councillor J. Newman.

Motion:

 “That the Chief Executive write to the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the EPA to change the policy on wastewater treatment plants being allowed to release raw sewage into rivers and estuaries.”

Report:

The main regulation of wastewater discharges in Ireland is the Urban Wastewater Directive, implemented by the European Union (WasteWater Discharge) Regulations 2007 to 2020.  The Minister has also issued in 1995 “Procedures and Criteria in relation to Storm Overflows” which are included in wastewater discharge licences.

The Water Action Plan 2024 includes the following action (with a target date of Q2 2028):

“Following the expected recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive the DHLGH will update the criteria for the performance of Combined Storm Water Overflows.”

The Urban Wastewater treatment directive which has not yet been transposed into Irish Law.

The directive requires the preparation of integrated urban wastewater management plans which are to include the following:

“2. Objectives for the reduction of pollution from storm water overflows, including the following:

(a)   an indicative non-binding objective that storm water overflow represents a small percentage that cannot be more than 2 % of the annual collected urban wastewater load calculated in dry weather conditions; this indicative non-binding objective shall be met by:

(i)  31 December 2039 for all agglomerations of 100 000 p.e. and above;

(ii) 31 December 2045 for agglomerations of 10 000 p.e. and above referred to in Article 5;”

(b) the progressive reduction of macroplastics.

Depending on agglomeration size these plans are required to be prepared by 31 December 2039

The adoption of regulations and the transposition of the directive are matters for the Minister and Oireachtas, the implementation of the regulations will be a matter for the Environmental Agency.

Releases from wastewater treatment plants due to mechanical failure are not permitted under the licencing arrangements, and the EPA expect licence holders to maintain their plant to prevent mechanical breakdown. However, some degree of mechanical breakdown (including blockages) is inevitable.

The motion was AGREED.