Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action to examine recommendations of Report of Citizens’ Assembly relating to Land Use and Water Quality

The meeting at 11am in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House will discuss the recommendations contained in the Citizens’ Assembly report relating to Land Use and Water Quality and the land use review, and will be split into two sessions.

11am-12.30pm – Representatives from The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and Professor Mark Scott from University College Dublin and Chair of the Technical Working Group on Phase 2 of the Land Use Review.

12.30pm-2pm – Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Brian Leddin said: “The Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss made a series of significant recommendations around the water quality of our streams, rivers, lakes and coastal areas, and the use of land for agriculture, peatlands and forestry.

“The EPA has highlighted how just over half of Ireland’s freshwater bodies are in a satisfactory condition which means that a large number are not in good ecological health.

“The Committee looks forward to discussing the Citizens’ Assembly’s recommendations, water quality issues, the land use reviews and related matters with the EPA, Professor Scott and the officials from the two departments responsible for legislation in these areas.”

The Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.