LEAF 2014 planning day January 18th Mill Centre, Portlaoise

Attending - Chris, Derek, Theresa, Fand, Maureen, Ann, Ricky, Brian. Apologies Noel, Kitty

LA21 funding - LEAFs Green Community AwardsFunding application text:• To appreciate and reward green initiatives in Laois as part of the Community Awards.

LEAF wish to introduce and sponsor an award that recognises sustainable development and environmental stewardship in Laois amongst the community sector.

• LEAF will coordinate marketing and evaluating nominations on environmental stewardship and sustainable development in Laois. Projects will be showcased on the LEAF website further raising awareness of what “Green” projects are. Winners, in designated themes including biodiversity, climate change, waste, water, transport, energy, sustainable community, food systems etc, will be awarded prizes at the Laois Community Awards evening raising awareness on environmental issues and sustainable development.

We discussed a broad framework for the awards. The next step is for the sub committee to approach the relevant stakeholders and agree the award criteria. We will invite representation from Laois Community Forum, Laois Heritage Forum, Laois Tidy Towns and Laois Green Schools.

We felt it was important that the awards should consider the following:• connects with young people • target groups who do not realise that their activities or focus fit the sustainable

development agenda• a winning project must be replicable• a good record, video/photo footage, is essential with knowledge LEAF will use them• simple application form• prove the difference a project makes

We will need a lot of help getting the message. Marketing the criteria well from the start is the fairest way of ensuring that everyone gets a chance to work on their entry.

We believe that there should be a category dedicated to young people.

Sub group - Ricky, Derek & Theresa

Skill Share & Care will not be pursued in 2014

Submissions to policyFollowing a few successful attempts to collaborate on writing submissions it was agreed that this can be done online. When someone wishes to respond to a consultation they must propose it to the steering group via email. In order for the submission to officially represent LEAF there must be no objections. The proposer must ask for collaborators and work with whoever else would like an input to the submission. The final draft of the submission should be circulated within the steering group for agreement prior to submitting.Brian suggested we make a submission to the current walking and cycleways consultation. We agreed and he will issue a draft in the coming days.

Events It was decided that LEAF would not host a climate or gm event but will support whatever Mountmellick Environmental Group do in this regard. LEAF would also like to work with MEG on something to do with water. With water charges coming in this year we felt it would be apt.Brian is to explore an event with Irish Planners. We may incorporate a workshop about the Aarhus convention on the day. This will be in June.It was decided to remain open to events but not plan them now.

LEAF structureWe agreed to adopt The Wheels Governance Code http://www.governancecode.ie/Everyone is happy that we tick all of the boxes on openness, transparency etc.New company laws are being drafted and will be available early 2015 so there is no point pursuing co ltd status now.We also discussed local government reform and the role the environmental representatives will play. There may be a certain structure recommended, by the environmental pillar, to enable representation in local government reform.

Some other suggestionsFand suggested we promote energy conservation. Brian is to approach the Planning & Environment SPC about their role in domestic energy conservation. He will ask what steps, if any, they may take to promote energy conservation.

There are sustainable initiatives within county hall that could be showcased - composting and energy conservation to name two. Simple posters in public spaces giving details of what they do, how, why and what it means would be great for raising awareness and promoting such actions.

Maureen informed us of a pack that the Presentation order produced in 2007 which is currently being updated. We will source links and put them on our website.

There was a good discussion about the natural capital, beautiful landscapes, rivers, paths, bogs, forests etc within Laois. Brian has also been exploring the “commons” which are commonly owned areas. We discussed how with a little thought it could all be mapped out. detailing the natural majesty of the county. Laois has a lot to offer in tourism and recreational pursuits that could be better marketed. Brian, Ricky and Chris will collaborate on pursuing these ideas. Theresa suggested they contact Colin Finlay to incorporate the waterways.

Chris updated us upon the massive success that is Abbeyleix Bog. It is now regarded as an prime example of how local communities can become custodians of their natural environment. This concept is now being explored by state and semi-state in respect of SAC's and NHA's in Ireland as part of the recently published National Peatland Strategy 2014. LEAF will make comments on the plan with guidance from Abbeyleix Bog, IWT (Laois/Offaly), etc. Community based natural resource management has been well and truly accepted within some state and semi state stakeholders because of the persistence and dedication of the people pursuing a vision for Abbeyleix bog. We agreed that LEAF would work on an awareness event in early 2015, possibly bringing people from Namibia and other successful community based management areas to tell their stories and share their wisdom. 

We discussed the possibility of office space. There is nothing available at county hall. Brian proposed a space at ABC if we want to pursue it.

PCRE - Peopleʼs Charter in Renewable EnergyIt was agreed that LEAF remain firmly in the PCRE process. We discussed where it is at and how we see it evolving. There have been numerous calls for a national energy policy review and it is gathering momentum. There is a PCRE newsletter being sent on Tuesday to the wider mailing list calling for anyone wishing to get involved with the steering group to get in touch. There will then be a call to reconvene and decide next steps.

Our recent press release on energy review http://www.laoisleaf.com/2014/01/13/call-immediate-review-national-energy-planning-carried-way-ensures-collaborative-sustainable-vision/

CEF Cork Environmental Forum are hosting an energy event on Feb 28th. They want to link it to the PCRE.

Given the momentum PCRE has gathered it is probably best to have the next steps considered. Theresa proposed practicalities to further the process - how to create the charter. It must be available to anyone who wishes to participate. Prior to hosting a world cafe harvesting event such as was held in Portlaoise it would be useful to host two evening awareness events. One to discuss ongoing energy challenges - climate change and resource depletion to name two. The second night would be a look at community led solutions from around the world. Then people would have time to research and consider what they would like in the charter, what their vision is for Ireland.