Meeting Pack Derry City and Strabane District Council

Dear Member of Derry City and Strabane District Council

You are hereby summoned to attend the Remote Meeting of the Derry City and Strabane District Council to be held on Thursday 25 June 2020 at 4.00 pm.

Yours faithfully

John Kelpie Chief Executive

AGENDA

1 Notice and Summons of Meeting

2 Member Attendance and Apologies

3 Statement for Remote Meetings

4 Declarations of Members' Interests

Open for Decision

5 Chairperson's Business

6 Covid-19 Recovery Update - To Follow

7 Confirmation of the Open Minutes of the Meeting of the Derry City and Strabane District Council held on Thursday 28 May 2020 (Pages 1 - 18)

8 Matters Arising

9 Confirmation of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on Monday 1 June 2020 (Pages 19 - 38)

10 Confirmation of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on Monday 8 June 2020 (Pages 39 - 56)

11 Adoption of the Open Minutes of the following Committees

a Monthly Governance and Strategic Planning Committee held on Tuesday 2 June 2020 (Pages 57 - 66)

b Monthly Business and Culture Committee held on Tuesday 9 June 2020 (Pages 67 - 80)

c Monthly Environment and Regeneration Committee held on Wednesday 10 June 2020 (Pages 81 - 92)

d Monthly Health and Community Committee held on Thursday 11 June 2020 (Pages 93 - 124)

e Monthly Planning Committee held on Wednesday 17 June 2020 (Pages 125 - 138)

12 Notices of Motion

Councillor McCloskey to Move:

This Council opposes the release of any and all City Deal funding to Ulster University.

Council demands that following Stormont’s loan to UU for expansion in its North Belfast Campus, a similar financial support be made available to any new institutions in Derry.

Councillor Gallagher to Move:

That this Council posthumously awards the Freedom of Strabane to NHS nurse Pat McManus.

Councillor Ferguson to Move:

This Council recognises the need for active and green travel, and that all communities including our rural communities should have opportunities to avail of this.

So this Council calls on the Department of Infrastructure, Department of

Communities and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to work together with Derry City and Strabane District Council to commit to progress the next stage of the Strathfoyle Greenway.

Councillor McKinney to Move:

This Council writes to the DAERA Minister expressing concerns following the failure of the amendment to the Agricultural Bill 2019/20 on the protection of food standards in line with current EU standards.

Our consumers should expect food that is imported to this country to be of the same high standards of animal welfare and environmental protection as expected of food producers in Northern Ireland. Importing food produced to low animal welfare and environmental standards to undercut our local farmers, is unacceptable.

Alderman McCready to Move:

This Council takes the position to support the Londonderry Port and Harbour’s pursuit of ‘Free Port’ status and communicates this to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and Ministers for the Departments of Infrastructure and the Economy.

Councillor Reilly to Move:

This Council writes to the Minster for Finance urging him to allow Local Authorities to be able to refinance existing loans from the Consolidated Fund on more favourable interest rate terms.

Councillor Mellon to Move:

That this Council recognises the concern and anxiety that exists among teaching and non-teaching staff as well as parents and young people in relation to the eventual reopening of schools; understands the challenges facing school boards and principals in keeping children and teachers safe while providing High quality education.

This Council will write to the Minister for Education and state that we insist that any re-opening of schools should be based on scientific and medical advice consistent with that provided by World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Council also calls on the Minister of Education to engage and consult extensively with education stakeholders as well as parents and young people in advance of the re-opening of schools and to provide them with clear and early guidance.

Go n-aithníonn an Chomhairle an imní atá ar na foirne teagaisc agus neamhtheagaisc chomh maith le tuismitheoirí agus daoine óga maidir le hathoscailt scoileanna i ndeireadh báire. Tuigeann an Chomhairle na dúshláin atá roimh na boird scoile agus príomhoidí ag coinneáil páistí agus múinteoirí slán sábháilte le linn oideachas ardchaighdeáin a chur ar fáil chomh maith.

Scríobhfaidh an Chomhairle seo chuig an Aire Oideachais agus luafaidh sí go n- éilíonn muid gur chóir athoscailt na scoileanna bheith bunaithe ar chomhairle eolaíochta agus leighis atá seasmhach leis an chomhairle a chuirfear ar fáil ón Eagraíocht Dhomhanda Sláinte agus an Lárionad Eorpach um Ghalair a Chosc agus a Rialú.

Iarrann an Chomhairle seo ar an Aire Oideachais dul i gcomhairle agus i mbun comhrá go forleathan le páirtithe leasmhara oideachais chomh maith le tuismitheoirí agus daoine óga sula n-athosclaítear na scoileanna le treoir shoiléir agus luath a chur ar fáil dóibh.

Councillor Durkan to Move:

This Council notes the unique economic, social and political impact of Brexit on the North West of Ireland, across all sectors and communities.

This Council further notes the additional immense challenges facing workers, businesses, citizens, families and communities as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This Council regards an extension to the said transition period, scheduled to end on 31 December 2020, to be essential to protect our economic interests, people’s rights and environmental standards.

This Council welcomes the continuing regard for the interests and bespoke circumstances of this region demonstrated by the EU.

This Council calls for the British Government to secure a reasonable extension of the current Brexit transition period for a reasonable period to enable local governments, businesses, citizens and communities to make necessary preparations.

Go n-aithníonn an Chomhairle seo an tionchar eacnamaíoch, sóisialta agus polaitiúil atá ag an Bhreatimeacht ar an Iarthuaisceart fud fad gach earnáil agus pobal.

Aithníonn an Chomhairle seo chomh maith na dúshláin mhillteanacha bhreise atá roimh oibrithe, ghnóthaí, shaoránaigh, theaghlaigh agus phobail mar gheall ar an

phaindéim COVID-19.

Breathnaíonn an Chomhairle seo go bhfuil an síneadh ama don idirthréimhse, atá beartaithe le críochnú ar an 31 Nollaig 2020, riachtanach lenár leasanna eacnamaíochta, cearta daoine agus caighdeáin thimpeallachta a chosaint. Fáiltíonn an Chomhairle seo roimh an mheas leanúnach a thugtar do na leasanna agus na cúinsí saincheaptha sa réigiún seo atá léirithe ag an AE.

Iarrann an Chomhairle seo ar Rialtas na Breataine síneadh ama ar feadh tréimhse atá réasúnta a fháil don idirthréimhse Bhreatimeachta atá ann faoi láthair le rialtais áitiúla, gnóthaí, saoránaigh agus pobail a chur ar a gcumas na hullmhucháin riachtanacha a dhéanamh.

Cllr Harkin to Move:

Recently released statistics from the Department for Communities estimates that 92,000 children, 303,000 individuals, 176,000 working age people and 34,000 pensioners live in absolute poverty across the North. This represents an alarming increase in pre-Covid-19 deprivation.

The yet to be calculated economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic will further impact the number of families and individuals facing deprivation in Derry and Strabane. This is already evident in the massive increase in the number of people in receipt of the not-fit-for purpose Universal Credit.

Council agrees to invite a representative from the DfC and other anti-poverty groups to present on the scale of deprivation in the district.

Council agrees to create an Emergency Poverty Working Group to establish how many people living in the Derry and Strabane Council District face increasing deprivation. Council agrees on the need to develop a response to increased levels of poverty. Council agrees to work with trade unions, antipoverty groups, community organisations and others to develop a Derry and Strabane District Emergency Poverty Action Plan.

Councillor McCann to Move:

Council condemns the action of the PSNI in disrupting the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest in Guildhall Square in Derry on 6 June by issuing fines and threatening court action against organisers and participants. This contrasted with the inaction of the PSNI in face of large gatherings on beaches and in major retail outlets over prior weeks.

Council recognises that the role of the organisers, the North West Migrants’ Forum (NWMF), in striving to maintain social distancing was exemplary and that many other organisations and institutions in the council area could benefit from

studying the disciplined way the NWMF set about arranging the event.

Council rejects the expressed view of Justice Minister Naomi Long that the PSNI action was ‘proportionate.’ Council queries whether Ms. Long’s statement to this effect represents the unanimous view of the Executive. Council regrets that no explanation has been forthcoming of the significant disparity between the level of police action in Belfast and in Derry.

Council notes that Amnesty and the Committee on the Administration of Justice have expressed concern about the way application of the regulations arising from the Covid-19 pandemic were altered on the evening prior to the Black Lives Matter protest, clearly suggesting that the point of the changes was to facilitate the PSNI in taking action against protesters.

Council backs the call for a full review of how policing was conducted at the BLM events. Council supports the demand for a public apology to the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Community. Council calls for the withdrawal of all fines and threats of court action against BLM protesters.

Open for Information

13 Responses to Motions (Pages 139 - 148)

14 Sealing List - June 2020 (Pages 149 - 150)

Confidential for Decision

15 Confirmation of the Confidential Minutes of the Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on Thursday 28 May 2020 (Pages 151 - 154)

16 Adoption of the Confidential Minutes of the Following Committees

a Monthly Governance and Strategic Planning Committee held on Tuesday 2 June 2020 (Pages 155 - 156)

b Monthly Business and Culture Committee held on Tuesday 9 June 2020 (Pages 157 - 158)

c Monthly Environment and Regeneration Committee held on Wednesday 10 June 2020 (Pages 159 - 168)

d Monthly Health and Community Committee held on Thursday 11 June

2020 (Pages 169 - 174)

e Monthly Planning Committee held on Wednesday 17 June 2020 (Pages 175 - 176)

17 Any Other Relevant Items

19 June 2020

This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 7

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Minutes of the Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held Remotely on Thursday 28 May 2020 at 4.00pm.

Present:- Councillor M Boyle (Mayor)(In the Chair); Aldermen Bresland, Devenney, Guy, Kerrigan, McClintock, McCready, McKane, Ramsey and Warke; Councillors J Barr, R Barr, J Boyle, Burke, Carr, Cooper, Cusack, Dobbins, Donnelly, Duffy, Durkan, Farrell, Ferguson, Fleming, Gallagher, Harkin, Jackson, Logue, McCann, McCloskey, McGuire, McHugh, McKinney, Mellon, Mooney, Reilly and Tierney.

In Attendance:- Chief Executive (Mr J Kelpie), Director of Business and Culture (Mr S Gillespie), Director of Health and Community (Mrs K McFarland), Director of Environment and Regeneration (Mrs K Phillips), Head of Environment (Mr C Canning), Lead Legal Services Officer (Mr P Kingston) Lead Democratic Services and Improvement Officer (Ms E Cavanagh) Democratic Services Officer (Mrs S Maxwell) and Committee Services Assistant (Mrs T Johnstone).

______

C124/20 Notice and Summons of Meeting

The Mayor read the Notice and Summons for the Meeting.

C125/20 Member Attendance and Apologies

The Mayor completed the roll call and recorded apologies from Councillors Kelly and McKeever.

C126/20 Statement on Remote Meetings

The Chief Executive read the Statement on Remote Meetings.

C127/20 Declaration of Members Interests

Councillor Reilly declared a non-pecuniary interest on the Notice of Motion – Care Homes and Domiciliary Care Services in Northern Ireland, as he is a member of staff at the Alzheimer’s Society.

Open for Decision

Chairperson’s Business

C128/20 Captain Sir Thomas Moore

1 Page 1 Alderman Warke referred to the recent incredible fundraising effort made by Captain Tom Moore in the run up to his 100th birthday during the Covid-19 pandemic. He stated that Captain Tom has raised over £32m for the National Health Service (NHS) with £112,000 raised being allocated to the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT). He proposed that Council write a letter to Captain Tom Moore to acknowledge such a tremendous achievement.

Members unanimously agreed and the Council

Resolved That Council write a letter to Captain Sir Thomas Moore to acknowledge his fundraising achievement during the Covid-19 pandemic.

C129/20 Confirmation of the Open Minutes of the Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held in Thursday 27 February 2020

The Minutes of the Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on 27 February 2020 (C49/20-C92/20) were submitted.

Councillor Duffy Moved, Alderman Devenney Seconded and the Council.

Resolved that the above Minutes be adopted, as a true record of the Meeting

Matters Arising

C130/20 Emblems in the Workplace (C60/20)

In respect of a query from Councillor Cooper regarding external legal advice, the Chief Executive confirmed that he had been advised that morning that legal advice had been received and that he had arranged to meet with the Lead Legal Services Officer and the Lead Human Resources Officer early next week to review the advice. He stated that a report on the matter would be presented at a future Council meeting.

C131/20 Deputation: Invest NI (C71/20)

Councillor Cooper referred to the Deputation by Invest NI and the proposal to set up a North West Economic Task Force and requested an update on the matter.

In response, the Director of Business and Culture stated that a virtual meeting had taken place where the terms of reference for the group

2 Page 2 had been developed and that progress was ongoing. He advised that a report on the matter would be presented to the Business and Culture Committee before Summer recess. He further advised that Invest NI would be invited to present to the September Business and Culture Committee meeting.

C132/20 Adoption of the Open Minutes of the Following Committees

The Mayor advised that matters within Committees contained within Agenda Number 8 had been dealt with at the virtual Council meeting on 26 March 2020.

C133/20 Monthly Governance and Strategic Planning Committee held on Tuesday 3 March 2020

The Minutes of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee held on 3 March 2020 (GSP47/20-GSP64/20) were submitted.

With all Members in agreement, the Council

Resolved that the above minutes, be adopted as a true record of the meeting.

C134/20 Monthly Planning Committee held on Wednesday 4 March 2020

The Minutes of the Planning Committee held on 4 March 2020 (P41/20- P51/20) were submitted.

With all Members in agreement, the Council

Resolved that the above minutes be adopted as a true record of the Meeting

C135/20 Monthly Business and Culture Committee held on Tuesday 10 March 2020

The Minutes of the Business and Culture Committee held on Tuesday 10 March 2020 (BC50/20 – BC63/20) were submitted.

With all Members in agreement, the Council

Resolved that the above minutes, be adopted as a true record of the Meeting

C136/20 Monthly Environment and Regeneration Committee held on Wednesday 11 March 2020

3 Page 3 The Minutes of the Environment and Regeneration Committee held on 11 March 2020 (ER56/20 – ER75/20) were submitted.

With all Members in agreement, the Council

Resolved that the above minutes be adopted, as a true record of the Meeting

C137/20 Monthly Health and Community Committee held on Thursday 12 March 2020

The Minutes of the Health and Community Committee held on Thursday 12 March 2020 (HC57/20-HC75/20) were submitted.

With all Members in agreement, the Council

Resolved that the above minutes be adopted as a true record of the Meeting.

C138/20 Protocol for Remote Council Meetings

The Mayor presented the above report, previously circulated to Members. She stated that the purpose of the report was to seek Members’ approval for the adoption for the Protocol for Remote Council Meetings (to complement Standing Orders) and an addendum to the Protocol for the Planning Committee.

Councillor Reilly proposed, Seconded by Councillor McKinney

That Members approve the adoption for the Protocol for Remote Council Meetings (to complement Standing Orders) and an addendum to the Protocol for the Planning Committee.

Notices of Motion

C139/20 Re-development of Templemore Sports Complex and Riversdale Leisure Centre

Councillor Mellon Moved, Seconded by Councillor Logue

That Derry City and Strabane District Council notes the public disappointment at the lack of progress to date to advance the construction and re-development of

4 Page 4 Templemore Sports Complex and Riversdale Leisure Centre.

This motion calls on Council to prioritise the development of these long outstanding projects by bringing forward a report to the Council meeting in September to include the identification of all funding options available and a timetable towards completion so that the Council can consider its options.

Councillor Boyle Proposed an Amendment, Seconded by Councillor Tierney

That Derry City and Strabane District Council notes the public disappointment at the lack of progress to date to advance the construction and re-development of Templemore Sports Complex and Riversdale Leisure Centre.

This motion calls on Council to accelerate the development process of these long outstanding projects by bringing forward a report to the relevant committee in September to include the identification of all funding options available and a timetable towards completion so that the Council can consider its options.

Members were asked to vote and the result was as follows:

For:- 26; Against:- 10; Abstentions:- 0.

The Amendment was therefore Carried and became the Substantive Motion.

Members were then asked to vote on the Substantive Motion. The result was unanimous and the Council

Resolved That Derry City and Strabane District Council notes the public disappointment at the lack of progress to date to advance the construction and re-development of Templemore Sports Complex and Riversdale Leisure Centre.

5 Page 5 This motion calls on Council to accelerate the development process of these long outstanding projects by bringing forward a report to the relevant committee in September to include the identification of all funding options available and a timetable towards completion so that the Council can consider its options.

C140/20 Community Crisis Intervention Service

Councillor Duffy Moved, Seconded by Councillor Mellon

That Derry City and Strabane District Council, express concern that the funding for the community crisis intervention service is due to finish at the end be of June, CCIS is a vital service for our citizens should they experience a mental health/ addiction crisis. Council therefore calls for an immediate intervention by the Health Minister, this service falls under the Protect Life 2 strategy and as such should be funded by the Department of Health.

Councillor Reilly Proposed an Amendment, Seconded by Councillor Tierney

That Derry City and Strabane District Council, express concern that the funding for the community crisis intervention service is due to finish at the end be of June, CCIS is a vital service for our citizens should they experience a mental health/ addiction crisis. Council therefore calls for an immediate intervention by the Health Minister, this service falls under the Protect Life 2 strategy and as such should be funded by the Department of Health and calls on the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure the Protect Life 2 Strategy is further resourced.

Members took a vote on the Amendment and the result was unanimous. The Amendment was therefore Carried and became the Substantive Motion.

Members were then asked to take a vote on the Substantive Motion and the result was unanimous and the Council

6 Page 6 Resolved That Derry City and Strabane District Council, express concern that the funding for the community crisis intervention service is due to finish at the end be of June, CCIS is a vital service for our citizens should they experience a mental health/ addiction crisis. Council therefore calls for an immediate intervention by the Health Minister, this service falls under the Protect Life 2 strategy and as such should be funded by the Department of Health and calls on the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure the Protect Life 2 Strategy is further resourced.

C141/20 Care Homes and Domiciliary Care Services in Northern Ireland

Councillor McCann Moved, Seconded by Councillor Harkin

That Council believes that care homes and the organisation and operation of domiciliary care services across the North should be brought back into the public ownership as part of the National Health Service.

Members were asked to vote and the result was as follows: For:- 26; Against:- 6; Abstentions:- 1.

Councillor Reilly advised that he would not be voting due to a previously declared interest.

The Motion was therefore carried and the Council

Resolved That Council believes that care homes and the organisation and operation of domiciliary care services across the North should be brought back into the public ownership as part of the National Health Service.

C142/20 Call for an All-Ireland Public Health Strategy

Councillor Harkin Moved, Seconded by Councillor McCann

That The COVID-19 crisis presents an unprecedented threat to public health. The scale of the crisis clearly demonstrates the critical role of a fully funded and protected public health service.

7 Page 7

Council agrees that two divergent public health strategies to deal with a pandemic on the island of Ireland, North and South, is irrational, impractical and dangerous. Council calls for a fully integrated all- Ireland public health strategy.

Council supports the campaign for an all-Ireland health service free at the point of delivery from the cradle to the grave.

Council agrees to invite representatives from the all- Ireland health service campaign to make a presentation to Council.

Members were asked to vote on the Motion and the result was as follows:

For:- 22; Against:-9; Abstentions:- 2.

The Motion was therefore carried and the Council

Resolved That the COVID-19 crisis presents an unprecedented threat to public health. The scale of the crisis clearly demonstrates the critical role of a fully funded and protected public health service.

Council agrees that two divergent public health strategies to deal with a pandemic on the island of Ireland, North and South, is irrational, impractical and dangerous. Council calls for a fully integrated all-Ireland public health strategy.

Council supports the campaign for an all- Ireland health service free at the point of delivery from the cradle to the grave.

Council agrees to invite representatives from the all-Ireland health service campaign to make a presentation to Council.

8 Page 8 Open for Information

C143/20 Confirmation of the Open Minutes of an Inquorate Special Meeting of the Planning Committee held on Tuesday 24 March 2020

The Minutes of the Inquorate Special Meeting of the Planning Committee held on 24 March 2020 were submitted.

On a matter of accuracy, Councillor Jackson stated that the meeting had taken place with the minutes subsequently circulated to Members on 3 April. He stated that in his opinion, the statement contained within the inquorate meeting that the meeting did not take place was inaccurate and asked for clarification on the matter.

The Lead Legal Services Officer advised that the meeting was inquorate simply on the basis that it was a virtual meeting. He stated that under the legislation there was the requirement for Members to be physically present in the meeting venue and if not, the meeting was deemed to be inquorate. He acknowledged that a virtual meeting subsequently did take place.

Councillor Jackson thanked the Lead Legal Services for the clarification. He stated that it was his understanding that although it was a virtual meeting, decision making had taken place with the exception of planning applications. However, there was a significant part of that meeting where amending the terms of the scheme of delegation was discussed, voted and agreed upon. He stated that there was no indication that the meeting was inquorate, therefore Members were under the impression at that time that the meeting was quorate apart from the actual decision making in terms of planning applications.

In response, the Chief Executive concurred that a virtual meeting did take place on 24 March and an extensive set of minutes were recorded for that meeting. He advised that recommendations were made at the meeting and that once Members endorsed the minutes under Agenda Item 16, those minutes would be ratified where they had not already been dealt with under delegated authority.

The Lead Legal Services Officer in a response to a query by Councillor Duffy, clarified that the minutes were contained within Agenda Item 16 under appendices 14a and 14b.

9 Page 9 Councillor Jackson referred to the wording of the inquorate minutes that ‘no members were present’ and questioned the accuracy of that statement as Members were present and a meeting did take place.

The Chief Executive stated that the record would be amended accordingly to clarify that a subsequent virtual meeting did take place.

In response to a query from Councillor Duffy regarding the legislation, the Lead Legal Services Officer advised that the legislation had had to be amended to allow virtual meetings to take place with decision making powers. He stated that whilst he appreciated that the matter could be confusing, the legislation required that physical meetings were recorded as being inquorate, with a record of those meetings produced.

Continuing, the Lead Legal Services Officer advised that it was necessary to reflect the fact that formal committee meetings with decision making powers could not take place virtually without amendment to the legislation. The legislation required to be amended to reflect that a Member who was virtually present at a meeting was legally present and that a meeting was open to the public by means such as live streaming. Those amendments had to be made to the Local Government Act (NI) 2014 to allow virtual meetings to take place.

The Chief Executive stated that a similar issue would apply to Agenda Items 13, 14 and 15. He advised that ‘a virtual meeting was subsequently held’ would be added to the inquorate meetings with the exception of the Assurance, Audit and Risk Committee meeting.

Councillor J Boyle Moved, Seconded by Councillor Jackson and the Council

Resolved that the above minutes be adopted, as amended, as a true record of the Meeting.

C144/20 Confirmation of the Open Minutes of an Inquorate Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on Thursday 26 March 2020

The Minutes of the Inquorate Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on 26 March 2020 were submitted

Councillor Tierney Moved, Seconded by Alderman Devenney and the Council

10 Page 10 Resolved that the above minutes be adopted, as a true record of the Meeting.

C145/20 Inquorate Meeting of the Assurance, Audit and Risk Committee held on Thursday 19 March 2020

The Minutes of the Assurance, Audit and Risk Committee held on 19 March 2020 (AAR16/20-AAR17/20).

The Lead Legal Services Officer advised that as the meeting did not take place, a Proposer and Seconder was not required in this instance.

C146/20 Confirmation of the Open Minutes of an Inquorate Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on Thursday 30 April 2020

The Minutes of the Inquorate Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on 30 April 2020 were submitted

Councillor Tierney Moved, Seconded by Councillor Ferguson and the Council

Resolved that the above minutes be adopted, as a true record of the Meeting.

C147/20 Confirmation of the Open Minutes of an Inquorate Special Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on Thursday 7 May 2020

The Minutes of the Inquorate Special Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on 7 May 2020 were submitted

Councillor Tierney Moved, Seconded by Councillor Reilly and the Council

Resolved that the above minutes be adopted, as a true record of the Meeting.

C148/20 Covid-19 Briefings and Meetings Incorporating Decisions taken under Delegated Authority

The Chief Executive presented the above report, previously circulated to Members for information purposes. He stated that the purpose of the report was to update Members on all Members Covid 19 Briefings and

11 Page 11 Virtual Council Meetings held between 31 March and 30 April 2020 and the associated decisions taken therein by the Chief Executive under delegated authority.

Alderman Devenney requested an update in relation to Household Recycling Centres throughout the Council area.

In response, the Head of Environment advised the following:  Recycling Centres at Newtownstewart and Donemana would re- open on Monday 1 June 2020 with normal hours of operation  Staff to be deployed to Claudy and Strahan’s Road which have returned to normal operating hours  Sites will be open from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday; 8am-6pm Saturday  Sites at Pennyburn, Glendermott and Strahan’s road will open on 1pm-5pm Sunday  Eglinton, Park and Plumbridge would remain closed but under review and was hoped to re-open these sites in line with the guidelines issued by DAERA  Council is working towards implementing a temporary arrangement to provide additional waste service provision to those living in Castlederg, Killen/Killeter areas to enable people to dispose of their waste and would provide information to Members  From Monday 1 June, vans will be permitted in Strahan’s Road, Pennnyburn and Strathfoyle  Cars with trailers will have access to all sites at all times from Monday 1 June 2020.

The Chief Executive stated that the information provided by the Head of Environment would be issued as a press release after the meeting.

Alderman Devenney thanked the Head of Environment for the update. However, he expressed concern that people from outside the Council area were disposing waste at the Household Recycling Centre at Pennyburn. He stated that prior to the re-opening of the recycling centre, Members had been informed that signage would be erected to indicate that the site be used only by residents of Derry City and Strabane District Council area. He stated that although the signage had been erected, it had been removed soon after and he asked for clarification on the matter. He also expressed concern at the plans to recommence disposal of commercial waste and emphasised the

12 Page 12 importance to protect staff and users during this time. He asked that the matter be reviewed on a regular basis.

In response, the Head of Environment stated that guidance was issued by the Department for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on required signage for household recycling centres. He stated that discussions had taken place regarding what arrangements would be put in place and subsequently the signage was amended as agreed in those discussions. He stated that a report would be presented at the June meeting of the Environment and Regeneration Committee for Members to discuss and agree on the appropriate action to take on the matter.

Councillor McGuire referred to Phase 1 of the A5/A6 roads project and advised that the Minister for Infrastructure had stated that Phase 1 of the project would not commence until the Spring of 2021 due to financial pressures. He stated that the Department for Infrastructure had reported an overall pressure of £800m but had received £558m leaving a shortfall of £242m. He felt that as the DfI had received the largest capital spend in the history of that particular department, money was available for the project. However, it was at the Minister’s discretion on whether or not to prioritise Phase 1. He proposed that Council write to the Minister for Infrastructure to highlight the importance of the progression of the A5/A6 road projects. He further proposed that Council write to the Irish and British Governments asking them to consider projects to enhance and progress the North West region.

Councillor McGuire Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Reilly

That Council that write to the Minister for Infrastructure to highlight the importance of the progression of the A5/A6 road projects. He further proposed that Council write to Irish and British Governments asking them to consider projects to enhance and progress the North West region.

Members agreed unanimously and the Council

Resolved That Council that write to the Minister for Infrastructure to highlight the importance of the progression of the

13 Page 13 A5/A6 road projects. He further proposed that Council write to Irish and British Governments asking them to consider projects to enhance and progress the North West region.

Councillor McGuire then referred to the recent announcement of a £25m funding package by the Minister of Finance to assist farmers affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. He informed Members that the average income for a beef and sheep farmer was below £12,000 per annum and that incomes had already decreased by 25 percent prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic. He stated that he had previously asked that a rural sub-committee be set up to deal with issues such as financial difficulties faced by the farming community.

Councillor McGuire Proposed, Seconded by Councillor J Barr

That Council write to the Minister for Finance to request that he prioritise the allocation of funding to beef and sheep farmers.

Members agreed unanimously and the Council

Resolved That Council write to the Minister for Finance to request that he prioritise the allocation of funding to beef and sheep farmers.

Councillor Reilly referred to the recent meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure and welcomed her commitment towards infrastructure and connectivity to the North West area. He stated that the Minister had highlighted the importance that projects such as the A5/A6 continued but also recognised that the department had a shortfall.

Councillor Duffy thanked the Minister for Infrastructure for meeting with Elected Members regarding plans for pedestrianisation works along the riverfront and city centre. She stated that whilst Sinn Féin wholeheartedly welcomed the scheme, it was important that stakeholders and the business community for the areas included in the redevelopment works be included in all discussions and negotiations.

Councillor McCloskey requested an update regarding the set-up of the City Deal Working Group. She expressed concern that Ulster University would receive approximately 40 percent of the City Deal match funding

14 Page 14 allocation. She reminded Members that Ulster University was an institution that had already received a loan in the amount of £125m, not debated at Stormont, towards the new Belfast Campus. She stated that in her opinion, Council were gifting the university a substantial amount of the City Deal funding, therefore it was important to get the City Deal Working Group operational.

In response, the Chief Executive advised that Members agreed to the establishment of the City Deal Working Group at the meeting of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee on 7 January 2020. He stated that due to the Coronavirus pandemic the first meeting of the working group had to be cancelled. He advised that the Annual Meeting of Council would take place on Monday 1 June 2020 and subsequently the Special Council meeting would take place on Monday 8 June. He stated that at those meetings, nominations would be made to the membership of committees, external/internal bodies and working groups. He advised that once membership of the City Deal Working Group had been confirmed, a meeting would be scheduled to take place soon after.

Councillor Gallagher stated that he had also attended the meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure which he described as extremely positive, particularly in regard to proposed projects in Strabane such as the Riverine and the footbridge projects within the town.

The Mayor stated that she concurred with the sentiments expressed by Councillor Gallagher and welcomed the investment that the Minister has committed to for the City and region.

Alderman McClintock and Councillor Reilly stated that they welcomed the positivity at that meeting regarding the Ministers’ commitment for this Council area. They welcomed that all Members were given the opportunity to air their views and particularly the willingness shown by the Minister to work with Elected Representatives.

Alderman Devenney Proposed – Councillor Duffy Seconded and Council

Resolved Members note the update on all Members Covid-19 Briefings and Virtual Council Meetings held between 12 March and 14 May 2020 and the associated decisions taken therein

15 Page 15 by the Chief Executive under delegated authority.

C149/20 Street Naming and Property Numbering – Request for a Spelling Correction to an Existing Street Name

The Chief Executive presented the above report, a copy of which had been previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to inform Members of the intention to rectify an administrative error with the spelling on an existing street nameplate in Strabane.

Members were asked to note the content of the report.

C150/20 Sealing List May 2020 Councillor Ferguson Moved, Alderman Devenney Seconded and the Council

Resolved that the seal of the Council be affixed to the following documents Sealing List May 2020

Documents Sealed 28 May 2020

Grant of Right of Burial in Ballyoan Cemetery

Mrs Naomi Wilson, 178 Hillcrest, L’derry, BT47 6YP. Mr Kenny Barton, 75 Canterbury Park, L’derry, BT47 6DU.

Grant of Right of Burial in City Cemetery

Mrs Deirdre O’Neill, 21 Sandbank Park, Derry, BT48 8FB Mrs Alice Brown, 3 Iniscarn Road, Creggan, Derry, BT48 9RN Mr Victor Kavanagh, 138 Westway, Creggan, Derry, BT48 9NX Mrs Caitlin Friel, 11 Marlborough Street, Derry, BT48 9AU Mrs Mary McGowan, 21 Upper Bennett Street, Derry, BT48 6TL Mr John Donaghey, 41 Beechwood Avenue, Derry, BT48 9LR Mrs Teresa McCartney, 95 Carnhill, Derry, BT48 8BQ Mr Toby Duffy, 15 Blackthorn Manor, Waterside, Derry, BT47 5ST Ms Stephanie Ward, 93 Galliagh Park, Derry, BT48 8DE Mrs Leonie Leiper, 75 Stevenson Park, Derry, BT47 3QU Mr Liam Nicell, 79B Creggan Heights, Derry, BT48 9QT. Mrs Deirdre O’Hagan, 8 Glenbrae Gardens, Derry, BT48 0BE.

16 Page 16 Mr Raymond Healy, 3 Drummond Park, Derry, BT48 8PH. Mrs Maura Ebbs, 30 Altcar Park, Derry, BT48 8HZ. Mrs Majella McDermott, 167 Lone Moor Road, Derry, BT48 9LA. Mr Daniel Reilly, 141 Birchill, Belt Road, Derry, BT47 2FJ. Mr Terence Don O’Donnell, 120 Circular Road, Derry, BT48 9QX. Mr Derek Gurney, 243 Victoria Road, Derry, BT47 2TQ. Mrs Patricia McNicholl, 11 Brickfield Court, Derry, BT48 9PW.

Grants of Right of Burial in Ardstraw Burial Ground David Meehan, 29 Listymore Park, Erganagh, Castlederg, Co Tyrone, BT81 7LN

Grants of Right of Burial in Castlederg Burial Ground Olga Patterson, 18 Elmwood Green, Castlederg, Co Tyrone, BT81 7GY

Grants of Right of Burial in Strabane Burial Ground Kathryn Lynch, 13 Drumrallagh, Strabane, Co Tyrone, BT82 8JW Siobhan Monaghan, 5 Dernalebe Road, Strabane, Co Tyrone, BT82 8PF

C151/20 Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 – Confidential Business

Alderman Devenney Moved, Councillor Tierney Seconded and the Council

Resolved that in accordance with Section 42, Sub Sections (2) or (4) of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, the press and members of the public be asked to withdraw whilst the Council discuss the following matters: (a) Adoption of the Confidential Minutes of the Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on 27 February 2020;

(b) Adoption of the Confidential Minutes of the following Committees

(i) Monthly Governance and Strategic Planning Committee held on 3 March 2020 (ii) Monthly Planning Committee held on Wednesday 4 March 2020

17 Page 17 (iii) Monthly Business and Culture Committee held on Tuesday 10 March 2020 (iv) Monthly Environment and (v) Regeneration Committee held on Wednesday 11 March 2020. (vi) Monthly Health and community Committee held on Thursday 12 March 2020.

The Meeting then went into Confidential Business.

18 Page 18 Agenda Item 9

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Minutes of Meeting of the Annual Meeting held remotely on Monday 1 June 2020 at 7.00 pm

Present:- Councillor M Boyle (Mayor); Aldermen Bresland, Devenney, Guy, Kerrigan, McClintock, Mc Cready, McKane, Ramsey and Warke; Councillors J Barr, R Barr, Burke, Boyle, Carr, Cooper, Cusack, Dobbins, Donnelly, Duffy, Durkan, Edwards, Farrell, Ferguson, Fleming, Gallagher, Harkin, Jackson, Kelly, Logue, McCann, McCloskey, McGuire, McHugh, McKeever, McKinney, Mellon, Mooney, Reilly and Tierney .

In Attendance:- Mr J Kelpie (Chief Executive), Ms E Cavanagh (Lead Democratic Services and Improvement Officer), Mr P Kingston (Lead Legal Services Officer), Mr S Gillespie (Director of Business and Culture), Mrs K Phillips (Director of Environment and Regeneration, Mrs K McFarland (Director of Health and Community), Mrs S Maxwell (Democratic Services Officer), Ms A McCourt (Media Officer), Mr P Jackson (Digital Services Officer) and Miss L Bell (Committee Services Assistant).

AM1/20 Notice and Summons of Meeting

The Chief Executive read the Notice and Summons for the Meeting.

AM2/20 Member Attendance and Apologies

The Chief Executive recorded the attendance. No apologies were received from Members.

AM3/20 Statement for Remote Meetings

The Mayor read the statement for remote meetings.

AM4/20 Welcome and Outgoing Speech from Mayor

The Mayor addressed the Council. She commenced by acknowledging that normally on this occasion, the outgoing Mayor would be thanking everyone for coming along to the beautiful Guildhall for the Annual

Page 19 2

Meeting. She observed that this was a very different ceremony this year. She sent her virtual, socially distant greetings to all the citizens of Derry and Strabane as she ended her year serving as their Mayor.

She commented that it had been a huge honour to serve as first citizen of the Council and thanked all those who had supported her over the past 12 months, particularly her family, her husband Paul, her four wonderful daughters and her three grandchildren. She said that she knew it had not been easy at times as a family and having to miss family time.

She offered her warmest congratulations and best wishes to the new Mayor and stated that she looked forward to working with him as they continued the work of leading our people through the Covid-19 pandemic and spurring economic recovery.

She thanked outgoing Deputy Mayor Cara Hunter for her help throughout the year and congratulated her on her co-option as the MLA for East Derry, replacing her party’s esteemed and late colleague John Dallat. She wished her every success in her new role.

She offered Alderman Warke her best wishes as he takes up his role as the incoming Deputy Mayor.

She continued that at the outset of the term, she nominated the Koram Centre and Foyle Woman’s Aid as the two mayoral charities for the year. She explained that unfortunately, the public health emergency severely curtailed the fundraising potential, with traditional initiatives such as the Mayor’s Ball having to be cancelled. However, she thanked sincerely, all those individuals, businesses and groups who had stepped in to fill the void with such generous donations and fundraising initiatives. She particularly paid tribute to Sigersons GAA club who had put so much effort into the Strabane Solo initiative on Sunday; the proceeds of which went to the Koram Centre and Knockavoe School in the town.

She stated that she hoped that given the impact of the crisis on mental health and the reported massive increase in incidents of domestic violence, the monies raised during her tenure would at least go some way to assisting the work of both the Koram Centre and Foyle Woman’s Aid as they experience increased referrals for the invaluable services which they provide.

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She reminisced that when she took up this post a year ago, little did anyone know what lay in store, adding that the Covid-19 pandemic had rocked us all to our core. She described it as the biggest health crisis in generations and there was not a corner of the globe that Covid has not impacted with the heart breaking loss of life.

She advised that we must constantly remind ourselves that behind each statistic, is a grieving family and in many cases, a loved one who slipped away in the cruellest of circumstances; without their family at their side.

She further explained that for each one of us, the way of life that we all took for granted was upended and replaced with something that seems alien to those of us who cherish human contact. A hug from a grandchild, a loving arm round the shoulder of a parent. Such actions were once so automatic and instinctive that they barely registered. Now they are something that many of us desperately long for.

She stated that these have been the most difficult of times and we are all yearning for a return to normality. She voiced her conviction that we will get there. She added that she said that with confidence because as Mayor of this city and region, she had the privilege of seeing at first hand the incredible spirit of community solidarity and determination to confront this deadly disease and protect the most vulnerable.

She stated she had seen it in the selfless and heroic actions of the NHS staff who have put themselves on the frontline of this fight repeatedly, in the incredible community and voluntary sector that we have here across the city and district and the work that they have been doing day after day, night after night to ensure the vulnerable are cared for, and community morale remains high.

She stated she had also seen it in the selfless efforts of all the workers who have continued to go to their jobs every day in order to keep vital services operating. She thanked all the staff within Derry City and Strabane District Council who have continued to work through the most trying of circumstances.

In addition, she stated she had seen heroism in the sacrifices that ordinary families and citizens across this region have been prepared to make in order to win this fight.

Moreover, she recognised that it was thanks to the public’s efforts and sacrifices that were winning.

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She expressed thanks to all of the young people who had also made huge sacrifices by staying indoors, and staying apart. She instructed them to stick with the social distancing to keep themselves, their families and communities safe.

She highlighted that there could be no room for complacency and that by adhering to the lockdown and the public health advice we had saved lives and helped to drive down the infection rate and protect the NHS and most vulnerable in our society.

She advised that we all need to see that through and to keep following the advice and keep driving the infection rate down for as long as it takes. But take heart from the fact that we are clearly succeeding.

She explained that as we emerge from the pandemic, the spirit of solidarity and unity that it has engendered in us, will be vital to rebuilding and repairing our economy. She expressed her thanks that we now have in place key building blocks that will be essential to this work.

The Mayor confirmed that the medical school will open its doors at Magee in September 2021 and stated that this is a game changer for this region.

She added that not only will the NHS heroes of the future be trained and retained in Derry, the medical school will also provide the long- needed impetus to drive the overall expansion of the university with all the additional social and economic benefits it brings to the entire North West region.

She detailed that the medical school announcement came just days after confirmation of a £210 million funding package for the North West between the City Deal and Inclusive Growth Deal. Which she felt was massive in terms of realising the economic potential of the North West.

She expressed her delight that Strabane was also set to benefit substantially from this landmark package with funding earmarked for Strabane Town Centre Regeneration Plans with the Canal Basin Regeneration Project seeing the integration of a major health hub, further education campus, leisure centre and Council office in the heart of Strabane town. In addition, she noted that progress was continuing apace on the SEUPB funded Riverine project, a fresh town centre public

Page 22 5 realm scheme and the Strabane/Lifford Greenway. She enthused that these combined projects will be completely transformative for Strabane.

She thanked all those who had worked tirelessly to secure these investments. Explaining that it was a testament to their determination that this work continued and succeeded even in the face of such a huge crisis. She noted that investment of this scale was unprecedented in the North West.

She said it was a huge vote of confidence in this region and evidence that the Stormont Executive is serious about helping to redress past neglect.

She expressed concerns that progressing the A5 dual carriageway was also crucial to this process - just as it was essential to saving lives on our roads.

She referred to the findings of the second public inquiry into the A5, which was due to come before Minister Nichola Mallon, and hopefully a decision to once again to proceed. She made a heartfelt plea to the Alternative A5 Alliance to desist from trying to subvert the will of virtually the entire community here who are so desperate to see this road built; particularly the families that have suffered the loss of a loved one on that stretch of road.

She highlighted the need to ensure that all measures are in place to assist the rebuilding of the North West economy as we emerge from the Covid-19 crisis, as that work will soon confront us.

She thanked everyone in the Mayor’s team in the Guildhall and Harbour House and the press communication team. She thanked the Chief Executive and his team for the great work and decisions made at the right time that ensured our City and District has remained a safe place to live during this pandemic.

She thanked the many new friends she had made across the district since the beginning of her term as Mayor for their support, and good wishes. She stated It had been an honour and a privilege to work, laugh, dance, and meet with everyone, adding that there has been so many great memories that she will cherish and remember forever. She expressed her desire to being included and said that she in return was inclusive.

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She thanked Mark Patterson and his team at Radio Foyle, who worked to promote the mayoral initiates throughout the airways and also for his involvement in the sounding of the factory horn, the first virtual Mayor’s tea dance, and the Jazz festival.

She reminded Members that at the start of her year she made a promise to the citizens of the city and district that she would be a Mayor for all. She stated that she had given a commitment to interacting and reaching out to those from all religious backgrounds, faiths, and none. She said she listened without judgment and paid attention to other cultures, of which they are many within our region. She stated she had extended her sincere hand of friendship across the city and she hoped she had made a difference respecting each other’s differences. She gave her opinion that people are created equal but we are not all the same.

She concluded by reiterating that she was looking forward to working with the new Mayor as they face this challenge together. She stated she also looked forward to harnessing the spirit of solidarity and unity that has served Council so well over the past months, as together we will ensure a better stronger region emerges on the other side of this difficult time.

Go Raibh Maith Agat

A short video of the different Mayoral events and initiatives throughout the year was then played. The Mayor expressed her thanks to all the photographers who had been present at events.

Councillor Duffy thanked the Mayor on behalf of Sinn Fein for the respectful way she conducted herself throughout such an eventful year. She praised the equality she showed to everyone and congratulated her on the virtual tea dance which broke the monotony of lockdown of many of the elderly. She praised the welcoming nature of the Mayor both in bringing visitors to the City and on trips away, such as the delegation to Boston. She highlighted the support and compassion which the Mayor showed to the community during the Covid crisis by visiting care homes, helping distribute packs to the community and visiting Council front line workers. She thanked her for her compassionate leadership and hoped she had time to rest in the coming weeks.

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Councillor Duffy also congratulated Councillor Hunter on her co-option to an MLA and wished Councillor Tierney and Alderman Warke a great year ahead and good health.

Alderman McClintock thanked the Mayor for her hard work and the way in which she conducted herself, stating that she knew from personal experience how busy the Mayor is. She expressed empathy that the Mayor was unable to have a Mayor’s Ball and also praised her skills in technology in conducting webex meetings. She suggested that she should enjoy her time with her family even though it was not possible to take a foreign holiday. Alderman McClintock also expressed her eagerness to work with the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor in the coming months.

Councillor Ferguson echoed the comments of the previous speakers and thanked the Mayor for helping her find her way as a new Councillor. She also expressed her thanks to Deputy Mayor and congratulated the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor on their appointments.

Alderman Guy congratulated the Mayor on the completion of her term as Mayor. He praised her respectful and fair manner and commiserated that she was unable to have a Mayor’s Ball. He congratulated Cara Hunter on her co-option as MLA and wished her good luck in her new appointment. He also expressed good wishes to the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor on their appointments.

The Mayor gave a thank you for all the good wishes and further thanked the Council staff who were present in the Guildhall this evening.

AM5/20 Declarations of Members' Interests

No Declarations of Interests were made by Members.

AM6/20 Appointment of Members for each of the following Positions of Responsibility for Year 2, 2020-2021;

The allocation of Positions of Responsibility for the year ending June 2021 were confirmed as follows:

Page 25 8

Allocation of Mayor

The outgoing Mayor sought nominations for the position of Mayor from the SDLP grouping for the incoming year.

Councillor Reilly thanked the Mayor for the work she had completed during her time as Mayor and for the message of hope that she conveyed to the people of the City. He commented on how fair the Mayor was to all parties and Independents, wished her good luck for the future and encouraged her to enjoy her break.

Councillor Reilly introduced Councillor Steven Edwards to the Council and advised that he had been co-opted onto Council to replace Councillor Hunter. He informed Members that Councillor Edwards was a law graduate who had been a Member of the SDLP for 9 years, in an activist and policy role. He further informed Members that he had narrowly missed out on a seat in Council in the elections last year.

He agreed with comments the previous speakers had made on Councillor Hunter’s work as Deputy Mayor and wished her well in her new role. He gave his congratulations to Alderman Warke on his nomination as Deputy Mayor adding that he thought he would be a great support to Councillor Tierney.

Councillor Reilly nominated Councillor Tierney to fill the position of Mayor for the incoming year. He outlined that Councillor Tierney had grown up in the Little Diamond Area of the City and had a strong family background in the SDLP. He commented on the awful incident Councillor Tierney had experienced when his home was attacked in 2017 and stated that he hoped Councillor Tierney and his family would remember tonight as one of the good experiences, even though this was a very different venue than was normal. He reminded Members that Councillor Tierney had been co-opted to Council in 2014 and re- elected that year and last year. He referred to Councillor Tierney’s experience serving on various Council Committees and outside bodies such as the Blood Sunday Trust and commented that he would make a sterling Mayor.

Councillor Tierney signed the Declaration of Office and took the Chair.

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Allocation of Deputy Mayor

The incoming Mayor then sought a nomination for the position of Deputy Mayor from the DUP grouping.

Alderman McClintock congratulated the new Mayor and nominated Alderman Warke as Deputy Mayor for the incoming year. She expressed her pleasure to make the nomination and praised Alderman Warke’s involvement in the Cathedral Youth Club and in the Fountain area. She further praised his steadfast work in the Newbuildings and rural areas and stated she felt he would conduct his role as Deputy Mayor in a very professional way.

Alderman Warke signed the declaration.

The allocation of the remaining Positions of responsibility were confirmed as follows:

Chair of Governance and Strategic Planning (UUP)

Alderman Guy

Deputy Chair of Governance and Strategic Planning (Sinn Fein)

Councillor Fleming

Chair of Planning Committee (Sinn Fein)

Councillor Jackson

Deputy Chair of the Planning Committee (SDLP)

Councillor J Boyle

Chair of Assurance, Audit and Risk (DUP)

Alderman Ramsey

Deputy Chair of Assurance, Audit and Risk (Alliance)

Councillor McKinney

Page 27 10

Chair of Business and Culture (SDLP)

Councillor Farrell

Deputy Chair of Business and Culture (Sinn Fein)

Councillor Mellon

Chair of Environment and Regeneration (DUP)

Alderman Devenney

Deputy Chair of Environment and Regeneration (IND-Carr)

Councillor Carr

Chair of Health and Community (UUP)

Alderman McKane

Deputy Chair of Health and Community (IND- R Barr)

Councillor R Barr

Reserve Forces and Cadets Association NI (DUP)

Alderman McCready

AM7/20 Speeches by Incoming Mayor and Deputy Mayor

The Mayor for the incoming year addressed the meeting. He commenced by stating that he was truly and deeply honoured to be elected as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council.

He thanked Councillors Reilly and Boyle who proposed and seconded his nomination and thanked his colleagues from the SDLP grouping for their support.

The Mayor expressed his gratitude to his friend and colleague Colm Eastwood MP for his support and encouragement along with all SDLP Members across Derry and Strabane for their support during such an important year for this City and District.

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He emphasised that the role of a public representative could not be carried out without an enormous amount of support, understanding and sacrifice from their families. He especially thanked his wife, Cheryl and his children, Cian, Shanae, Mary–Kate and Ben for their unwavering support which had helped him carry out his role as public representative to the best of his ability. He also expressed thanks to his parents, Brian and Mary and 2 sisters, Lynne and Fiona, who had played a huge role in his life, and to his mother and father-in law for their support also.

The Mayor expressed gratitude to his uncle John Tierney stating that he had done a huge amount in helping him become an effective public representative. He added that he had been his greatest mentor and when needed, the one person who he listened to, especially when he tried to make him see things from another perspective.

The Mayor congratulated the newly elected Deputy Mayor, Alderman Graham Warke and expressed his enthusiasm to work with him in the year ahead. He recalled that he and Graham had worked closely together within the Council’s Bonfire Working Group and whilst they had a few differences they were able to work together for the betterment of their area. He added that he thought that this would be a bonus for both of them in building a positive working relationship in the weeks and months ahead.

The Mayor stated that the unprecedented emergency of Covid-19 meant this would be a very different and very difficult year in the life of the City and District, which would be very trying and testing for the public. He acknowledged that many families had been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and that this would leave a lasting scar on them for many years to come. He expressed Council’s sympathy to all who had been burdened with the grief of losing loved ones before their time.

The Mayor explained that the pandemic had forced a radically different way of life and had brought about a shocked recognition of how fragile our world is. He highlighted reminders of what really matters including health, community spirit and solidarity, stating that we can be proud that the worst pandemic in a century has brought out the best in our community. He highlighted the value in frontline services such as our doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and other key services.

He expressed particular thanks to all the staff within Council, who ensured services ran as smoothly as they could, for as long as they could. He acknowledged the senior leadership team who led by the

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Chief Executive had worked around the clock to protect out services and enabled some semblance of normality.

The Mayor thanked the outgoing Mayor Councillor Michaela Boyle for the role she had played in leading the City and District through the most challenging time many of us will have faced in our lifetime. He added that he hoped she would get some time now to spend with her family and take a well-earned rest.

He stated that in his time as Mayor, he intended to put a huge amount of his time into encouraging and fighting for as much investment in this City and District as he could. He acknowledged that now was a critical time and that as Mayor, he wanted to preside over a turning of the tide not another false dawn. He undertook to work day and night to ensure that people in the North West are not let down again.

He noted that there had been some signs of progress, but stated that there is a long way to go. He stated that he would have preferred that we were further down the road in terms of securing our City Deal, expanding our university, and moving all of these strategic projects to the next stage. He acknowledged that the focus for the British Government, the Executive and Council over recent months has understandably being on fighting Covid-19, and that this has meant those conversations have been put on hold. He expressed his intention to pick them up again, emphasising that pausing these projects because of a pandemic simply cannot mean they are permanently postponed.

He explained that he intended to bang every door that he could in Belfast, Dublin or London to make sure that this Council has a strong case to put forward for investment in Derry and Strabane. He undertook to travel wherever he had to, to ensure that people across the world know that Derry and Strabane is open for business and will welcome visitors to our beautiful Council area.

The Mayor expressed his desire to continue the work of previous Mayors, and with partners in Donegal, to promote the North West Region as an investment area for Governments on both sides of the border. He added that he felt bringing about recovery in our city and district and across these islands required everyone to now work together.

He stated that he admired how people had risen to the challenge of this pandemic and that he felt Council should now rise above past

Page 30 13 differences and build a better future for everyone who calls this place home.

The Mayor indicated that one of the great privileges of being Mayor is being able to nominate a charity for the year. He expressed his delight to confirm Aurora Counselling Services as the Mayor’s charity for this year. He explained that he felt that tackling the mental health crisis in this city and district must remain a major focus given the stress and strain the last number of months have inflicted. He further explained that Aurora are central in that work; offering a wide range of mental health services to children, teenagers and adults; attending both primary and secondary schools, offering play therapy, counselling and assisting with cognitive behavioural therapy for adults.

He informed Members that Aurora currently have around 15 staff members in their team who are regularly backed up by a team of volunteers.

He explained that Aurora deserved Council’s recognition and support and he was delighted to nominate them as his chosen charity for the year ahead.

The Mayor informed Members that this was a huge achievement for him and that when growing up as a young boy in the Bogside, he never even dared to imagine that he would be addressing you as Mayor.

He stated that he fully understood the enormity of the responsibility being place on him tonight and wanted to make Members aware that he had not entered into the position lightly. He had thought deeply and fully considered the contribution that he wanted to make to Council and the future of life within this City and District. He expressed his intention to be a Mayor for each and every citizen across this Council area and to do his best to represent this council area and every citizen within it, to the best of his ability. He also expressed his intention to be out and about in the City and District as much as he could and leave no area out or favoured over another.

The Mayor explained that as a local Councillor he had always tried to represent the people of the Ballyarnett District Electoral Area (DEA) in this Chamber on behalf of the SDLP and thanked them for giving him successive mandates to do so. He undertook to now represent people in every DEA on behalf of this Council to deliver the best possible future we can for our people.

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He undertook to work with anyone from any Political Party to help advance this council area.

He expressed his love for the City and District undertook to do everything he could to make the people proud.

He acknowledged that over the last number of months, we have all been asked to stay away from those we love in order to protect them. He expressed his hope that his Mayoral year could be marked and remembered as the time when Council began to bring people back together. Back together as one community across this City and district. Back together, to fully enjoy and embrace this place we are privileged to call home.

The Deputy Mayor commenced his address to Council. He began by stating that it was a great honour and privilege to become the new Deputy Mayor of Londonderry and its district. He thanked his party colleagues from the DUP for nominating him for the role and said that he was sincerely grateful for this.

On a personal note he said he knew his late father was looking down on him today and would be very proud. He thanked his family and friends who were watching online. He praised his mother on the work she has been doing breaking barriers down for the city and values she had taught him on helping people. He thanked his two beautiful children Katelyn and Ollie for always supporting him and giving him the drive to take on this role and finally but not least he thanked his partner Tracy who had been his rock and had supported him.

He stated that everyone was going through very challenging and difficult times due to the Covid19 breakout and it has changed everyone’s lives. But added that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. He thanked the hundreds of volunteers in the communities who had walked the extra mile helping and supporting the most vulnerable members in our community; especially key workers and most of all the NHS staff for risking their lives.

He was confident that we would all get through this, and support would be provided to local business, to boost our local economy. He encouraged everyone to continue the love and support for families and neighbour, as we have all learned how precious life is.

He continued that as Deputy Mayor he looked forward to the year ahead, whilst accepting that it would be challenging. However, he felt

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that with the right support and guidance, he promised to be supportive to all citizens. He explained that the theme of the year ahead would be to get this City and district moving again.

He stated 2021 would be the Northern Ireland Centenary year and that he would work across all sides of Londonderry and District celebrating this milestone.

Finally, he said well done to all the Members online throughout the district on the leadership and guidance they have shown in supporting their own communities during this time.

He felt that Members had got it right and that Derry City and Strabane District were the 1st council in Northern Ireland to start taking action against Covid19. He thanked the outgoing Mayor Michaela Boyle on the great role she carried out and thanked the Chief Executive and Council Officers.

He wished the Mayor, his wife and their children all the very best on the term ahead. He undertook to support the Mayor on the challenging times throughout the year in order to get the City and District moving again.

He concluded by stating that we may call our beautiful historic City on the Foyle many names but one thing we are all proud to call it, is the City l love so well, - Home.

AM8/20 Nomination of Members to the following Committees of the Council for the period of June 2020 - June 2021 in accordance with Schedule 2 of the Local Government Act 2014:

The Mayor applied a two-step process to confirm membership across all Committees. The first step called for the nomination of Members to fill the minimum allocation per committee based on party/independent strength on Council and step 2 called for the nomination of Members to fill the remaining positions on each Committee.

The Chief Executive advised Members that as the final remaining positions on Committees are filled, the process would be slowed and care taken as there may be instances where a nominated Party Member or Independent Member may be unable to take up that position due to restrictions (specified in the 2014 Act – Schedule 2), which limit the maximum number of places permitted by a Party or an Independent onto a committee.

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During the course of the nominations Councillor Ferguson nominated herself onto the Assurance, Audit and Risk Committee, unfortunately due to legislative restrictions this position could not be fulfilled by Councillor Ferguson, as Alliance had already nominated representation onto this Committee. The CE therefore requested People Before Profit, who had made the last nomination, to move their nomination from the B&C to the AAR committee. Councillor Harkin queried this and the CE explained that the only appointment Alliance could fill from the remaining positions was on the Business and Culture Committee as there was already Alliance representation on the Planning and Assurance, Audit and Risk Committees. He further explained that it was protocol in this situation to ask the previous nominator according to D’hondt to change their nomination in order to make space available to ensure requirements were met. Councillor Harkin therefore nominated Councillor McCann onto the Assurance, Audit and Risk Committee and Councillor Ferguson nominated herself onto the Business and Culture Committee.

Following completion of this process, the following nominations of Members onto committees were confirmed.

(a) Governance and Strategic Planning Committee

Councillor Duffy nominated the following Sinn Fein Members: Councillor Fleming (Deputy Chair) Councillor M Boyle Councillor Duffy Councillor Cooper

Councillor Reilly nominated the following SDLP Members: Councillor Mooney Councillor McKeever Councillor Reilly Councillor J Boyle

Alderman McClintock nominated the following DUP Members: Alderman Bresland Alderman McCready Alderman McClintock

Alderman Guy (Chair) nominated himself on behalf of the UUP.

Councillor Donnelly nominated himself as an Independent Member.

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Councillor Gallagher nominated himself as an Independent Member.

(b) Planning Committee

Councillor Duffy nominated the following SF Members: Councillor Jackson (Chair) Councillor Kelly Councillor McGuire Councillor Mellon

Councillor Reilly nominated the following SDLP Members: Councillor J Boyle (Deputy Chair) Councillor Dobbins Councillor J Barr Councillor Mooney

Alderman McClintock nominated the following DUP Members: Alderman Kerrigan Alderman Bresland Alderman McClintock

Councillor Ferguson nominated Councillor McKinney on behalf of the Alliance Party.

Councillor Harkin nominated himself on behalf of People Before Profit.

Councillor Gallagher nominated himself as an Independent Member

(c) Assurance, Audit and Risk Committee

Councillor Duffy nominated the following SF Members: Councillor McGuire Councillor Kelly Councillor Logue

Councillor Reilly nominated the following SDLP Members: Councillor McKeever Councillor Durkan Councillor Reilly

Alderman McClintock nominated the following DUP Members: Alderman Ramsey (Chair) Alderman Kerrigan

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Councillor Ferguson nominated Councillor McKinney (Deputy Chair) on behalf of the Alliance Party.

Councillor Carr nominated himself as an Independent Member.

Alderman Guy nominated himself on behalf of the UUP.

Councillor Donnelly nominated himself as an Independent Member.

Councillor Harkin nominated Councillor McCann on behalf of People Before Profit.

Councillor McCloskey nominated herself on behalf of Aontú.

Business and Culture Committee

Councillor Duffy nominated the following SF Members: Councillor Mellon (Deputy Chair) Councillor Cooper Councillor M Boyle Councillor Logue

Councillor Reilly nominated the following SDLP Members: Councillor Farrell (Chair) Councillor J Barr Councillor Cusack Councillor Durkan

Alderman McClintock nominated the following DUP Members: Alderman Ramsey Alderman Warke

Councillor Guy nominated himself on behalf of the UUP.

Councillor McCloskey nominated herself on behalf of Aontú.

Councillor R Barr nominated himself as an Independent Member.

Councillor Ferguson nominated herself on behalf of Alliance.

(d) Environment and Regeneration Committee

Page 36 19

Councillor Duffy nominated the following SF Members: Councillor Burke Councillor McHugh Councillor Fleming Councillor Jackson

Councillor Reilly nominated the following SDLP Members: Councillor Dobbins Councillor Durkan Councillor Edwards Councillor J Boyle

Alderman McClintock nominated the following DUP Members: Alderman Devenney (Chair) Alderman Ramsey Alderman McCready

Councillor Carr (Deputy Chair) nominated himself as an Independent Member.

Alderman Guy nominated Alderman McKane on behalf of the UUP.

Councillor Harkin nominated Councillor McCann on behalf of People Before Profit.

(e) Health and Community

Councillor Duffy nominated the following SF Members: Councillor Duffy Councillor McHugh Councillor Burke Councillor Logue

Councillor Reilly nominated the following SDLP Members: Councillor Farrell Councillor Edwards Councillor Reilly Councillor Mooney

Alderman McClintock nominated the following DUP Members: Alderman Devenney Alderman Warke

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Alderman Guy nominated Alderman McKane (Chair) on behalf of the UUP.

Councillor R Barr (Deputy Chair) nominated himself as an Independent Member.

Councillor Ferguson nominated herself on behalf of the Alliance.

Councillor Harkin nominated himself on behalf of People Before Profit.

AM9/20 Other Representations

Members noted that other representations would be allocated during a Special Council Meeting to be held on Monday 8 June 2020 at 4pm.

The meeting terminated at 8.30 pm.

Page 38 Agenda Item 10

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Minutes of the Special Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held Remotely on Monday 8 June 2020 at 4.00 pm

Present:- Councillor Tierney (Mayor) (In the Chair); Aldermen Bresland, Devenney, Guy, Kerrigan, McClintock, McCready, McKane, Ramsey and Warke; Councillors J Barr, R Barr, J Boyle, M Boyle, Burke, Carr, Cooper, Cusack, Donnelly, Duffy, Durkan, Edwards, Farrell, Ferguson, Fleming, Gallagher, Harkin, Jackson, Kelly, Logue, McCann, McCloskey, McGuire, McHugh, McKeever, McKinney, Mellon, Mooney and Reilly.

In Attendance:- Chief Executive (Mr J Kelpie), Lead Legal Services Officer (Mr P Kingston), Lead Democratic Services and Improvement Officer (Ms E Cavanagh), Democratic Services Officer (Mrs S Maxwell) and Committee Services Assistant (Mrs T Johnstone).

______

SC29/20 Notice and Summons for Meeting

The Chief Executive read the Notice and Summons for the Meeting.

SC30/20 Member Attendance and Apologies

The Chief Executive took the roll call and apologies were received from Councillor Dobbins.

SC31/20 Statement for Remote Meetings

The Mayor read the statement for remote meetings.

SC32/20 Declaration of Members' Interests

There were no Declaration of Members’ Interests.

SC33/20 Suspension of Standing Orders

Councillor McCann proposed a suspension of Standing Orders seconded by Councillor Harkin.

Page 39 2

Councillor McCann requested that Members consider a motion regarding the actions of the PSNI at the recent Black Lives Matter rally that took place in the Guildhall Square, Derry on Saturday 6 June 2020.

After a request from Councillor Donnelly for a recorded vote, the result was as follows:

For:- Councillors J Barr, J Boyle, M Boyle, Burke, Carr, Cooper, Cusack, Duffy, Durkan, Edwards, Farrell, Fleming, Gallagher, Harkin, Jackson, Kelly, Logue, McCann, McGuire, McHugh, McKeever, Mellon, Mooney, Reilly and Tierney (25).

Against:- Aldermen Bresland, Devenney, Guy, Kerrigan, McClintock, McCready, McKane, Ramsey and Warke; Councillors Ferguson, McCloskey and McKinney (12).

Abstentions:- Councillor Donnelly (1).

The Chief Executive advised that the proposal could not be carried as it did not meet the required qualified majority threshold of 80 percent.

SC34/20 Appointment of Members to External Bodies

The Chief Executive advised that further to the Annual Meeting of Council held on 20 May 2019 (Minute Ref. AM12/19), it was agreed that when seeking nominations to external bodies the d’Hondt system would be applied, i.e. all positions across all external bodies are collectively identified and filled using the formula set in Schedule 1 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

He further advised that at the Special Meeting of Council held on 4 July 2019, annual representation was agreed for the 2019/2020 year. The Northern Ireland Museums Council was the one exception to the standard annual appointment period; wherein representation was agreed until September 2021.

Councillor Gallagher referred to the appointments made to external and internal bodies using the d’Hondt process in 2019 and proposed that those positions remain the same for 2020/2021 term. He stated that the d’Hondt process was a fair and open method to appoint Members onto those bodies and that the majority of appointments would remain the same.

Page 40 3

After a request for clarification from the Mayor to the Lead Legal Services Officer, Councillor Gallagher was advised that Members could proceed on that basis if they so wished. He advised that individual party leaders, at a later stage, may wish to make subsequent changes in appointments to external bodies.

The Chief Executive referred to the report regarding the appointment of Members to external and internal bodies and advised that a proposer and seconder would be required, particularly as changes had been made to the structure of several of those bodies.

Councillor Duffy outlined that it would be impossible to make appointments to bodies on a block basis, especially as there had been several changes made throughout the year. She suggested that Members proceed using the d’Hondt process.

Councillor Carr stated that he had been appointed to a number of external bodies in 2019, however some of them had not held meetings. He asked that those bodies be contacted to establish if Elected Member representation was still required.

Councillor Reilly stated that whilst he was not opposed to Councillor Gallagher’s proposal, a number of changes had been made to bodies throughout the year and that more clarity would be required on how to proceed if Members agreed with the proposal.

Alderman McClintock stated that whilst she understood the reasoning for Councillor Gallagher’s proposal, there were a number of changes to external bodies that had to be considered.

Councillor Gallagher thanked Members for their comments. He stated that whilst he understood that there had been changes to a few of those bodies, appointments could be made on a block basis.

The Mayor advised Councillor Gallagher that several Members had not agreed with his proposal and asked him if he wished to proceed.

Councillor Gallagher stated that as he did not have the consensus of Members, he withdrew his proposal.

Councillor Reilly Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Duffy

That (i) Council agree to appoint membership to the end of the electoral term for all external bodies listed in

Page 41 4

section 3.5 of the report and (ii) Council nominate representation to all external bodies using the d’Hondt formula.

The nominations to the External Bodies were as follows:

Advising Diversity Steering Group (PEACE IV Project) (5 Representatives)

Alderman McCready (DUP) Councillor R Barr (IND) Councillor Jackson (SF) Councillor Farrell (SDLP) Councillor Reilly (SDLP

Advisory Committee to the Honourable Irish Society (Mayor + 3 Representatives)

Councillor Tierney (Mayor) Councillor Dobbins (SDLP) Alderman McClintock (DUP) Alderman Guy (UUP)

A5/N2 Cross Border Corridor Working Group (4 Representatives)

Councillor McGuire (SF) Councillor Edwards (SDLP) Alderman McKane (UUP) Councillor McKinney (Alliance)

Age NI: NW Ageing Well Together Strategic Partnership (Mayor of Council) Councillor Tierney (Mayor)

APSE - All Members of Council

APSE – Pilot Executive Board (1 Representative) Councillor Reilly (SDLP)

Ballyarnett Local Growth Partnership/Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership – Outer North (All Members from the Respective DEA)

Page 42 5

Board of C-TRIC (1 Representative) Councillor Farrell (SDLP)

Board of Derry Theatre Trust (3 Representatives) Councillor Cusack (SDLP) Councillor Carr (IND) Councillor Burke (SF)

Board of Directors – Visit Derry (3 Representatives) Councillor Cusack (SDLP) Councillor Cooper (SF) Alderman Warke (DUP)

Board of ERNACT EEIG (2 Representatives) Councillor Reilly (SDLP) Councillor Cooper (SF)

Board of North West Carnival Initiative (1 Representative) Councillor Harkin (PBP)

Board of Walled City Partnership (3 Representatives) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Councillor Logue (SF) Alderman Warke (DUP)

CCTV Partnership (3 Representatives) Alderman Ramsey (DUP) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Councillor M Boyle (SF)

Civic Forum - All Members of Council

CODA- Board of Directors (3 Representatives plus Mayor ex- officio Member) Councillor Tierney (Mayor) Councillor Fleming (SF) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Alderman McCready (DUP)

Committee of Board of City Centre Initiative - Executive Group (4 Representatives) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Councillor Logue (SF) Alderman Warke (DUP)

Page 43 6

Alderman Guy (UUP)

Court of the University of Ulster (1 Representative) Councillor Cooper (SF)

Derg Local Growth Partnership (All Members from the Respective DEA)

Derry and Strabane Local Action Group (Rural Development) (11 Representatives) Alderman McCready (DUP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Councillor McGuire (SF) Councillor Fleming (SF) Councillor McKeever (SDLP) Councillor Edwards (SDLP) Councillor McHugh (SF) Councillor R Barr (IND) Councillor Dobbins (SDLP) Alderman Warke (DUP) Councillor Kelly (SF)

District Sports Committee (4 Representatives) Councillor McHugh (SF) Councillor Mooney (SDLP) Councillor Harkin (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Reilly (SDLP)

Faughan Local Growth Partnership (All Members from the Respective DEA)

Foyleside Local Growth Partnership Board/Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership – Outer West (All Members from the Respective DEA)

Foyle and District Road Safety Committee (4 Representatives) Councillor McKinney (Alliance) Councillor Dobbins (SDLP) Alderman Devenney (DUP) Councillor Logue (SF)

Glenelly Action Plan Committee (5 Representatives) Councillor Kelly (SF)

Page 44 7

Alderman Bresland (DUP) Councillor Edwards (SDLP) Alderman Devenney (DUP) Councillor Gallagher (IND)

IESE Board (1 Representative) – Chair of Governance and Strategic Planning Committee Alderman Guy

International Appalachian Trail Working Group (2 Representatives) Councillor McCann (PBP) Councillor McGuire (SF)

Joint Management Committee – Council and EA (4 Representatives) Councillor Durkan (SDLP) Councillor Mellon (SF) Alderman Kerrigan (DUP) Alderman McClintock (DUP)

Local Engagement Partnership for Adult Learning Disability (2 Representatives) Councillor Mellon (SF) Councillor Harkin (PBP)

Management Committee – Pilot’s Row Community Centre (5 Representatives) Councillor Donnelly (IND) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Councillor Burke (SF) Councillor Carr (IND) Councillor McCann (PBP)

Management Committee – Dove House (5 Representatives) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Councillor Logue (SF) Councillor Burke (SF) Councillor Donnelly (IND) Councillor Carr (IND)

Management Committee – The Resource Centre (5 Representatives) Councillor Dobbins (SDLP)

Page 45 8

Councillor Carr (IND) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Mellon (SF) Councillor Duffy (SF)

Management Committee – Advice North West (5 Representatives) Alderman Devenney (DUP) Councillor Dobbins (SDLP) Councillor Jackson (SF) Councillor Harkin (PBP) Councillor Donnelly (IND)

Moor Local Growth Partnership/Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership – Cityside (Triax) – (All Members from the Respective DEA)

Mournederg Action Plan Committee (5 Representatives) Councillor Edwards (SDLP) Alderman McKane (UUP) Alderman Kerrigan (DUP) Councillor McHugh (SF) Councillor McGuire (SF)

National Association of Councillors (8 Representatives) Alderman Bresland (DUP) Alderman Kerrigan (DUP) Alderman Devenney (DUP) Councillor McGuire (SF) Councillor McKeever (SDLP) Councillor Kelly (SF) Councillor Mellon (SF) Councillor Reilly (SDLP)

Newtownstewart and District Community Development Association (All Members from respective DEA)

NI Amenity Council (1 Representative) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP)

NI Local Gov. Association (8 Representatives) Councillor McGuire (SF) Alderman Bresland (DUP) Councillor Fleming (SF)

Page 46 9

Councillor McKeever (SDLP) Alderman Kerrigan (DUP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Alderman Guy (UUP) Alderman Devenney (DUP)

NILGA Executive Committee (2 Representatives from 8 above) Councillor McGuire (SF) Councillor McKeever (SDLP)

NILGA Policy and Learning Network – Elected Member Development (1 Representative) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP)

NILGA Policy and Learning Network – Health, Social and Environmental Wellbeing (1 Representative) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance)

NILGA Policy and Learning Network – Local Economic Development, Investment and International Affairs (1 Representative) Councillor Reilly (SDLP)

NILGA Policy and Learning Network – Place Shaping and Infrastructure (1 Representative) Councillor Fleming (SF)

NILGA Policy and Learning Network – Reform, Devolution and Improvement (1 Representative) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú)

NI Local Government Partnership on Travellers Issues (3 Representatives) Councillor Gallagher (IND) Councillor M Boyle (SF) Councillor Tierney (SDLP)

North West Region Development Group (6 Representatives) Councillor Duffy (SF) Councillor M Boyle (SF) Councillor McKeever (SDLP) Alderman Guy (UUP) Councillor Durkan (SDLP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance)

Page 47 10

North West Regional Waste Management Group (4 Representatives) Councillor McCann (SF) Alderman Bresland (DUP) Councillor Mooney (SDLP) Councillor Burke (SF)

Northern Ireland Museums Council (1 Representative) Councillor Farrell

North West Peace and Reconciliation Partnership – Peace IV (12 Representatives) Councillor R Barr (IND) Councillor Jackson (SF) Councillor Reilly (SDLP) Councillor McHugh (SF) Councillor Edwards (SDLP) Alderman Ramsey (DUP) Councillor Duffy (SF) Councillor Tierney (SDLP) Alderman McClintock (DUP) Councillor McKinney (Alliance) Councillor Mellon (SF) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP)

RAPID – Board of Directors (5 Representatives at least 1 from each rural DEA) Alderman Kerrigan (DUP) Alderman Bresland (DUP) Councillor Kelly (SF) Councillor McKeever (SDLP) Alderman McKane (UUP)

Somme Association – Advisory Committee (2 Representatives) Alderman Bresland (DUP) Councillor McKinney (Alliance)

Sperrin Local Growth Partnership - All Members from the Respective DEA

Sperrins Future Search Board (2 Representatives) Councillor Kelly (SF) Councillor J Barr (SDLP)

Page 48 11

Strabane Local Growth Partnership/Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership - All Members from the Respective DEA

Sports Forum Open to all Members

Strabane Town Forum (6 Representatives) Councillor M Boyle (SF) Councillor Gallagher (IND) Councillor R Barr (IND) Councillor Edwards (SDLP) Councillor J Barr (SDLP) Alderman Devenney (DUP)

Strategic Growth/Community Planning Partnership (5 Representatives) Councillor Duffy (SF) Councillor Gallagher (IND) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Alderman Ramsey (DUP)

Sustainable Communities and Demographics Working Group (1 Representative) Councillor Durkan (SDLP)

Travellers Action Group West (2 Representatives) Councillor Tierney (SDLP) Councillor Donnelly (IND)

Waterside Local Growth Partnership/Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership – (All Members from the Respective DEA)

Western Area Child Care Partnership (1 Representative) Councillor M Boyle (SF)

Western Urgent Care Steering Group (1 Representative) Alderman McKane (UUP)

SC35/20 Appointments to Internal Working Groups The Chief Executive advised that at the Council meeting held on 27 June 2019, Members agreed that one Elected Member from each political party and one Independent Member be nominated onto internal working groups.

Page 49 12

He further advised that an exception applied in respect to membership on the Local Development Steering Group. At the Planning Committee on 5 June 2019 (Min Ref. PC64/19) and the Special Meeting of Council on 4 July 2019 (Min Ref. SC37/19); it was agreed that the representation would be one member from each Party plus an Independent Member (who were represented on the Planning Committee) and the Chair of the Committee.

Nominations to Internal Bodies was as follows:

Business and Culture

Culture Steering Group

Councillor Mellon (SF) Councillor Cusack (SDLP) Alderman McClintock (DUP) Alderman Guy (UUP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Councillor McCann (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor R Barr (IND)

Centenaries Working Group

Councillor Cooper (SF) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Alderman McCready (DUP) Alderman Guy (UUP) Councillor McKinney (Alliance) Councillor Harkin (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Gallagher (IND)

Arts and Culture Strategy Co-Design Group

Councillor Cooper (SF) Councillor Cusack (SDLP) Alderman Warke (DUP) Alderman Guy (UUP) Councillor McKinney (Alliance) Councillor Harkin (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú)

Page 50 13

Councillor R Barr (IND)

Environment and Regeneration

Local Development Plan (LDP) Steering Group

Councillor Kelly (SF) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Alderman Hilary McClintock (DUP) Councillor McKinney (Alliance) Councillor Harkin (PBP) Councillor Gallagher (IND)

Councillor Jackson (SF) Chair of Committee

Climate Emergency Working Group Councillor Burke (SF) Councillor Durkan (SDLP) Alderman Kerrigan (DUP) Alderman Guy (UUP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Councillor McCann (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Donnelly (IND)

Graffiti Working Group

Councillor Jackson (SF) Councillor Cusack (SDLP) Alderman Ramsey (DUP) Alderman McKane (UUP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Councillor McCann (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Gallagher (IND)

Governance and Strategic Planning

Adverse Weather Working Group

Councillor Fleming (SF) Councillor Reilly (SDLP) Alderman Devenney (DUP) Alderman Guy (UUP)

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Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Councillor Harkin (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Donnelly (IND)

Appeals Panels for Dismissals

Councillor M Boyle (SF) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Alderman Kerrigan (DUP) Alderman McKane (UUP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Councillor McCann (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Gallagher (IND)

Council Asset Naming Group

Councillor Fleming (SF) Councillor Reilly (SDLP) Alderman Warke (DUP) Alderman Guy (UUP) Councillor McKinney (Alliance) Councillor McCann (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Carr (IND)

Member Development Working Group

Councillor Mellon (SF) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Alderman McCready (DUP) Alderman Guy (UUP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Councillor McCann (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor R Barr (IND)

Capital and Corporate Projects Planning Group

Councillor Duffy (SF) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Alderman McClintock (DUP) Alderman Guy (UUP)

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Councillor McKinney (Alliance) Councillor McCann (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Gallagher (IND)

Language Working Group

Councillor Cooper (SF) Councillor Durkan (SDLP) Alderman Ramsey (DUP) Alderman McKane (UUP) Councillor McKinney (Alliance) Councillor Harkin (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Donnelly (IND)

Health and Community

Advice Services Panel

Councillor Cooper (SF) Councillor Farrell (SDLP) Alderman Ramsey (DUP) Alderman McKane (UUP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Councillor Harkin (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor R Barr (IND)

Bonfire Working Group

Councillor Duffy (SF) Councillor Tierney (SDLP) Alderman Warke (DUP) Alderman Hussey (UUP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Councillor McCann (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Gallagher (IND)

City Deal Working Group

Councillor Duffy (SF) Councillor Reilly (SDLP)

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Alderman Devenney (DUP) Alderman Guy (UUP) Councillor McKinney (Alliance) Councillor Harkin (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Gallagher (IND)

Council Owned Community Managed Centres

Councillor McHugh (SF) Councillor Dobbins (SDLP) Alderman McClintock (DUP) Alderman Guy (UUP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Councillor Harkin (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Carr (IND)

Good Relations Working Group

Councillor Logue (SF) Councillor J Boyle (SDLP) Alderman Ramsey (DUP) Alderman McKane (UUP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Councillor Harkin (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Carr (IND)

Welfare Reform Working Group

Councillor Burke (SF) Councillor Farrell (SDLP) Alderman Devenney (DUP) Alderman Guy (UUP) Councillor Ferguson (Alliance) Councillor Harkin (PBP) Councillor McCloskey (Aontú) Councillor Gallagher (IND)

The Chief Executive confirmed that nominations to both external and internal bodies had now been completed.

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The meeting terminated at 6.12pm

Page 55 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 11a

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Open Minutes of Meeting of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee held remotely on Tuesday 2 June 2020 at 4.00pm. ______

Present: Alderman Guy (in the Chair); Alderman Bresland, McClintock, McCready; Councillors J Boyle, M Boyle, Cooper, Donnelly, Duffy, Fleming, Gallagher, McKeever, Mooney and Reilly.

In Attendance:- Chief Executive (Mr J Kelpie), Lead Finance Officer (Mr A Dallas), Lead Democratic Services and Improvement Officer (Ms E Cavanagh), Lead Human Resources Officer (Mrs P Donnelly), Lead Assurance Officer (Mrs D McDonnell), Strategic Business Manager (Mrs R Craig) and Committee Services Assistant (Mrs J Short).

______

GSP67/20 Notice and Summons of Meetings

The Chief Executive read the notice and summons for the meeting.

GSP68/20 Member Attendance and Apologies

The Chief Executive (CE) took the roll call and there were no apologies received.

GSP69/20 Statement for Remote Meetings

The Chair read the Statement for Remote Meetings.

GSP70/20 Declarations of Members’ Interests

There were no declarations of interest.

Open for Decision

Chairperson’s Business

GSP71/20 Message of Appreciation

The Chair expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Chair of Committee, Councillor McKeever. He said that he looked forward in

Page 57 anticipation to carrying out the role of Chair of Committee during the new term.

Members congratulated Alderman Guy in his new role as Chair of Committee and wished him every success in the year ahead.

GSP72/20 Message of Congratulations

The Chair expressed congratulations to the following organisations awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest possible award that voluntary groups can receive in the United Kingdom:

 The Royal British Legion, Waterside Branch, Londonderry.  Eglinton Community Limited.  Sollus Highland Dancers, Bready.

GSP73/20 Reopening of Household Recycling Centres (HRC’s)

The Chief Executive advised Members that the HRC’s in Donemana and Newtownstewart had reopened to the public. He further advised that the Eglington and Plumbridge HRC’s remained closed until further review. Members would be updated accordingly.

He referred to Glendermott HRC and advised Members that it was necessary to temporarily close the site earlier that day, due to a Health and Safety issue. He explained that due to the reopening of businesses at the Glendermott complex there was an increased flow of traffic that resulted in a delay of the vehicles entering the HRC. He advised that a press statement would be released shortly and the situation would be assessed in order to alleviate concerns raised by the HSE.

Councillor Donnelly suggested that when vans/trailers are permitted to use the HRC’s again, that consideration be given to redirecting the vehicles from the Waterside HRC to the Strathfoyle HRC so to reduce the waiting time for users.

Councillor Reilly referred to the temporary closure of the Glendermott site and expressed concern that there would be the added risk of people dumping their items at the entrance to the site. He enquired as to what measures were implemented to prevent this from happening.

Page 58 The CE assured Members that Officers were dealing with the situation as a matter of urgency, in order to make the appropriate arrangements to monitor the site during the temporary closure. He emphasised that the Health and Safety issue was simply associated with the vehicle queuing system and that all options would be considered in order to alleviate the problem. He agreed to keep Members updated as the situation developed.

GSP74/20 Confirmation of the Open Minutes of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee held on Tuesday 3 March 2020

The Open Minutes of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee (GSP47/20-GSP64/20) held on 3 March 2020 were agreed and signed by the Chairperson.

GSP75/20 Matters Arising

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

GSP76/20 Guiding Principles for Working Safely

The Lead Assurance Officer (LAO) presented the above report a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to seek Members endorsement for the Guiding Principles for Working Safely, which had been developed to facilitate the return of staff to work as and when it is safe to do so.

The Committee

Recommended that Council endorse the Guiding Principles for Working Safely which had been developed to facilitate the return of staff to work as and when it is safe to do so.

GSP77/20 COVID Financial Update

The Lead Finance Officer (LFO) presented the above report a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to update Members on the latest financial position for 2020/21 taking into account the significant impact of COVID 19 and to advise of current mitigation measures and next steps.

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The CE expressed his appreciation to the LFO and his team for the extraordinary amount of work undetaken throughout this emergency period. He also referred to the Lead Finance Officer’s role as Chair of the Regional Finance Officers Association (RFOA) and how DCSDC had the leadership role in working with other Chief Executives in seeking further Government support.

He added that whilst Council were pleased with the outcome of the funding support secured in quarter 1 for financial losses and with the decision to secure funding of up to £1.05m towards operational costs for the City of Derry Airport, it was critical that engagement with Government continued to ensure support for financial losses beyond quarter 1. He referred to the quarter 2 bid to be submitted in the coming weeks and stressed that it was vital to ensure that the rate-base income was fixed on the estimated expenditure prior to this emergency crisis.

Councillor Cooper commented that DCSDC was in a much more positive financial position in comparison to other Councils, which in his opinion was primarily due to prudent financial decision making in previous years. He queried the financial implications associated with the furloughing of staff in stage 2 and how additional costs would be factored in. He also suggested the restructuring of loans to reduce repayments. He said that it was imperative that further savings be identified in order to mitigate a financial crisis and to give people hope for the future.

The Lead Finance Officer advised Members that the furloughing figure was based on an estimate and would be kept under review as services returned. In terms of loan interest repayments, he advised that this was included in the ongoing discussions with the Department and all Councils regarding the proposed mitigation measures to offset financial losses.

Councillor Gallagher thanked the LFO for the comprehensive report. He said that the focus must be on the reduction of the net loss to a minimum in order to prevent a significant impact on the 2021/22 rate base, which had the potential to prevent Council from moving forward.

Councillor Gallagher proposed that Council write to the Executive and the British Treasury to request that business rates be subsidised over the next 3-year period in order to support businesses to recover from

Page 60 the financial crisis as a result of the emergency crisis. Councillor Donnelly seconded the proposal.

Alderman McClintock thanked the LFO for the detailed report and for his financial leadership throughout the emergency period. She agreed with previous comments from Members, that continued engagement with Government was critical in terms of securing funding for the remaining financial quarters. She also agreed that it was essential for the rate-base to be fixed so to mitigate against rates increase for 2021/22.

Councillor Reilly concurred with the previous speaker’s comments.

The LFO welcomed Members comments and supported the rate- base proposal which was critical in terms of the continuation of Council services in the future.

The outcome of the proposal was unanimous support by Members.

The Committee

Recommended that Council i) Approve the updated financial forecast and the steps being taken to ensure reserves remain adequate for funding of Council services going forward. (ii) To support the continued critical engagement with Government to ensure the further required funding support and assurances identified in the report be provided. iii) writes to the Executive and the British Treasury to request that business rates be subsidised over the next 3 years in order to support businesses to recover from the current emergency crisis.

Page 61 GSP78/20 Job Retention Scheme Update

The Lead Human Resources Officer presented the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to update Members on the implementation of the Job Retention Scheme and to seek Members endorsement of the approach to date. The process will be kept under review and Members updated accordingly.

The Committee

Recommended that Council note the progress in relation to furloughing as outlined and to endorse the approach taken to date.

GSP79/20 Media Communication during COVID 19 Crisis

The Media and PR Officer presented the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to provide Members with an update on the role played by the Corporate Communications Media and PR team in response to the COVID 19 Crisis.

Alderman McClintock welcomed the report and expressed appreciation to the Media and PR Officer and her team for providing clear, concise and regular communications during the emergency period.

Councillor Duffy concurred with the previous speaker’s comments. She added that the Mayor’s social media videos proved to be an excellent tool to broadcast key information to the public during the emergency crisis.

Councillor Gallagher welcomed the report. He referred to the difficult decisions that Members had to make at the beginning of the emergency crisis, under the leadership of the Chief Executive and his team. He added that on reflection it had emerged that such decisions had somewhat lessened the impact of the emergency crisis on the citizens throughout the entire City and District Council area and on the National Health Service in particular.

Page 62 Councillor Reilly concurred with the previous speakers. He added that due to excellent communication platforms, the public began to trust the Council in providing the most current updates during the emergency crisis.

The Committee

Recommended that Council note and endorse the significant communications and media engagement over the Coronavirus crisis.

GSP80/20 Scheme of Allowances 2020

The Lead Democratic Services and Improvement Officer presented the above report a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to advise Members of Local Government Circular LG 08/2020 and to seek approval for an updated Scheme of Allowances.

The Committee

Recommended that Council approve the updated Scheme of Allowances 2020.

GSP81/20 Schedule of Meetings 2020/21

The Lead Democratic Services and Improvement Officer provided the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to seek Members’ approval of the proposed schedule of meetings for 2020/21.

The CE expressed his appreciation to the LDSO for providing the above report. He explained to Members that virtual Committee and Council meetings would continue during the month of June and the situation would be reviewed at the end of the month. He added that there was a possibility of meetings returning to the Chamber at the Guildhall during the month of July, however any decision would be totally dependent upon Government guidance at that time. He agreed to consider alternative options such as hybrid meetings in going forward and a report would be brought back to Members.

The Committee

Page 63

Recommended that Council approve the schedule of Meetings for 2020/21.

GSP82/20 NILGA Council Bulletin May 2020

The Strategic Business Manager presented the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to update Members on the lobbying and advocacy support provided by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) to the Local Government sector during the Coronavirus crisis.

The Committee

Recommended that Council i) note the Bulletin and the current lobbying initiatives by NILGA to gain financial support for the Local Government sector in Northern Ireland; ii) endorse NILGA’s approach that the initial £20.3 million should be the first in a range of substantial funding measures which will help sustain essential Council services for those in greatest need, thereby protecting frontline public services and that a longer-term financial package should be developed by Councils.

Open for Information

GSP83/20 Strategic Growth Partnership Update

The Strategic Business Manager presented the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to provide Members with an update and overview of the role of the Derry City and Strabane Strategic Growth Partnership (Community Planning Partnership).

The above report was noted for information.

Page 64 GSP84/20 North West Regional Development Group and North West Strategic Growth Partnership Update

The Strategic Business Manager presented the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to provide Members with an update on the progress of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership and North West Regional Development Group.

The above report was noted for information.

The meeting went into Confidential Business.

Page 65 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 11b

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Open Minutes of Business and Culture Committee Meeting held remotely on Tuesday 9 June 2020 at 4.00pm.

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Present: Councillor Farrell (Chairperson); Alderman Guy, Ramsey, Warke; Councillors J Barr, R Barr, M Boyle, Cooper, Cusack, Durkan, Ferguson, Logue, McCloskey and Mellon.

Non-Committee Member: Alderman Devenney, McClintock; Councillors Duffy, Kelly, McCann, Mooney and Reilly.

In Attendance: Director of Business and Culture (Mr S Gillespie), Head of Business (Mr K O’Connor), Head of Culture (Ms A McCarter) PA to Director of Business & Culture (Ms J Galloway-Doherty) and Committee Services Assistant (Mrs J Short).

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BC67/20 Notice and Summons of Meeting

The Director of Business and Culture read the Notice and Summons for the meeting.

BC68/20 Member Attendance and Apologies

The Director of Business and Culture took the roll call and full attendance was noted.

BC69/20 Statement for Remote Meetings

The Chair read the Statement for Remote Meetings.

BC70/20 Declarations of Members’ Interests

There were no declarations of interest from Members.

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Open for Decision

Chairpersons Business

BC71/20 Message of Acknowledgement

Councillor Farrell acknowledged that this was his first Committee Meeting as Chairperson. He paid tribute to the outgoing Chair; Councillor Cusack and the outgoing Deputy Chair; Councillor McCloskey and thanked them both for doing a good job in the previous term. He also welcomed the newly appointed Committee Members; Councillor M Boyle, Ferguson, Mellon and Alderman Guy. He paid tribute to the former Members of Committee; Councillor Carr, Duffy, McCann and Kelly and thanked them for their contribution during the previous term of Committee.

BC72/20 Request for a Meeting with the Minister of Economy regarding the current financial crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chair referred to the current Covid crisis. He said that it presented many challenges for the business community and cultural organisations and Council had a key role in assisting businesses with the recovery process when lockdown restrictions were lifted. He further added that it was a challenging environment for Council to ensure value for money for the ratepayers. He referred to the City Deal and Future Fund initiatives that provided opportunities to create a vibrant economy in the future. He said that Committee had to continue to lobby Central Government for continued funding support towards the redevelopment opportunities at Fort George, Maritime Museum, Harbour Square and the Factory Girls Sculpture in particular.

He further referred to Invest NI support in order to tackle unemployment and economic inactivity. He referred to a previous meeting of Council in February 2020 when it was agreed to invite the Minister for Economy to meet with Members to address such issues, however a response was received in April which stated that it was not possible for them to progress the response at that time. He said that whilst he understood the pressure Departments were under due to the current Covid crisis, it was however essential that a response be sought from the Minister. He added that Council had an obligation to continue with pressurising Government to provide a fair deal in terms of

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employment, economic activity and wage levels for the citizens of the City and District Council area.

Councillor Cooper agreed with the Chair’s comments in relation to a meeting with the Minister for Economy. He referred to recent discussions his party colleagues and himself had with Senior Officials from Invest NI to ensure that they adopted a sub-regional approach and a dedicated strategy for the North West. He said that those discussions would be continued, and Members kept informed of the outcome in due course.

The Chair proposed that Council write to the Minister for Economy to request a response to previous correspondence and to persist on a meeting with Members in order to discuss the economic crisis. Councillor Durkan seconded the proposal.

The Committee

Recommended that Council writes to the Minister for Economy to request a response to previous correspondence and to persist on a meeting with Members to discuss the current economic crisis.

BC73/20 Black Lives Matter Demonstration

Councillor McCann referred to the recent ‘Black Lives Matter’ demonstration at the Guildhall Square, as result of the tragic death of George Floyd from Minneapolis who died in police custody. He expressed outrage that a statement had been released from a particular group requesting people not to attend the event. He queried as to the identity of the group and their remit and expressed concern that as an elected representative he had not been consulted with.

The Chair confirmed for Councillor McCann that the statement had been released from the Unity of Purpose group.

Councillor Duffy expressed her concern with Councillor McCann’s response to the statement released by the Unity of Purpose group to call off the event. She said that whilst representatives from her party did not attend the event, they were supportive of the ‘Black Lives Matters’ campaign. She clarified that the Unity of Purpose group

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consisted of Local MP’s, MLA’s, Politicians and statutory and business leaders from Derry and the action was taken as a result of the current pandemic and social distancing restrictions and in her opinion this reflected good leadership to protect the lives of citizens from the City and District Council area.

Alderman Ramsey supported Councillor Duffy’s comments. He added that the statement was released in order to save lives, however he agreed that the family of George Floyd deserved justice.

BC74/20 Messages of Condolence

Councillor M Boyle referred to the recent death of Bishop Francis Lagan who had served as Auxiliary Bishop in the Diocese of Derry (1988-2010). She asked for a letter of condolence to be sent to the family on behalf of Council.

She also referred to the tragic death of Mr David Crockett who owned a farm on the Donegal/Derry border and was killed in an accident at the property and expressed sincere condolences to the family. She requested for a letter of condolence to be sent to the family on behalf of Council.

Councillor M Boyle also referred to the sudden death of Mr Nigel Robb from Ballymagorry, who died as a result of a fishing accident at the River Foyle. She requested a letter of condolence to be sent to the family on behalf of Council.

The Committee

Recommended that Council write to the families of the deceased to express Members’ condolences at this time.

BC75/20 Matters Arising from the Open Minutes of the Business and Culture Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 10 March 2020

There were no matters arising from the above minutes.

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BC76/20 Alley Theatre Summer Programme including Summer Jamm

The Head of Culture presented the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to seek Member approval for a proposed programme for the Alley Arts Centre including an online highlights programme for Summer Jamm.

Councillor M Boyle paid tribute to the Head of Culture and her team for the tremendous amount of work done to revise the programme. She said that it was unfortunate the actual Summer Jamm event was not happening for obvious reasons, however she looked forward in anticipation the virtual programme for Summer Jamm and The Alley for the coming months.

Councillor Durkan concurred with the previous speaker’s comments. She added that the Head of Culture and her team had stepped up to the mark during this pandemic period and she welcomed the delivery of an on-line summer programme by the Alley for the citizens of the District.

The Committee

Recommended that Council approve expenditure on and delivery of the proposed Alley Summer Programme featuring the Summer Jamm. This will be subject to discussions relating to the current financial constraints of Council.

BC77/20 Council Motion re. Trade Union Representation and Covid-19

The Director of Business and Culture presented the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to update Members and seek approval regarding a response to the following Council Motion re. Trade Union representation and Covid-19:

 Council agree to request employers to allow unobstructed access to trade union representation for workers in the District: and

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 Council agree to request employers to facilitate meetings of workers to allow them to discuss how and what to do regarding Covid-19.

Councillor Logue welcomed the report. She proposed that the hospitality, retail and private caring services be included in the recipient list. Councillor McCloskey seconded the proposal.

It was also recommended that Call Centre organisations were added to the list of companies.

The Committee

Recommended that Council agree to the draft letter to be sent from the Mayor on behalf of Members and the list of proposed recipients as outlined within the report with the inclusion of hospitality, retail and private caring services.

BC78/20 Culture Night 2020

The Head of Culture presented the above report, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to seek Member approval to proceed with Culture Night 2020 with revised budget and programme allowing for coronavirus restrictions.

The Committee

Recommended that Council approve an allocation of £5,000 to deliver a Culture Night 2020 small awards programme and associated support activities. This will be subject to discussions relating to the current financial constraints on Council.

BC79/20 Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) Contract Award

The Head of Business presented the above report, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was

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to advise Members that in order to remove the risk that the DCMS funding and its benefits could be lost due to a delay in contract award, it was vital to plan for rapid approval for contract award, and then for the rapid execution of the contracts and their orders.

Councillor Boyle welcomed the report. She said that it was a great opportunity for the rural constituents to be provided with an option to apply for full fibre connectivity. She referred to the delivery timescales and the challenges imposed and hoped that the project delivery would be achievable.

The Committee

Recommended that Council i) Agree for the decision to allow Council to award contract to successful bidder; ii) Agree for an appropriate mechanism to be in place to execute contracts as Deeds and to place the order to ensure no delay to delivery of the project and no loss of funding.

BC80/20 Cultural Grant Aid Programme Update

The Head of Culture presented the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to secure Member approval for adjustments made to the allocation of Culture Grant Aid Programmes including Heritage Animation 2020/21, Headline Events 2020/21, Community Festivals 2020/21, Cultural Organisations Award 2020/21 and Artist & Practitioner Fund 2020/21 in- light of the current coronavirus crisis.

Councillor Mellon expressed support of the above report. She said that the key aspect of the report was that groups were given the opportunity to look at revised funding plans. She added that there was a positive message being portrayed, by Council consulting with organisations and groups to ensure that they had a voice in the budgetary adjustment process and hoped that the Arts Council adopted a similar mindset in terms of match funding.

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The Head of Culture clarified for Councillor Mellon that the Department of Communities was currently working on the revised proposal for partial match funding for Community Festivals, however in previous years they were normally quite late with their funding announcement and she suspected a similar approach this year. She further advised that they continued to work closely with the Arts Council who had made additional measures and available funds to help those organisations to remain sustainable.

The Head of Culture further advised that those organisations/groups that had events scheduled later in the year and were able to deliver as normal would be entitled to receive 100% of funding allocation. However, this was increasingly due to the current circumstances and therefore eligible applicants will be invited to submit alternative proposals for assessment and it was recommended that 75% of the award be allocated.

The Head of Culture clarified for Councillor Ferguson that she was not aware of the number of organisations/groups that had cancelled events to date. She advised however that in the event of cancellations alternative options of funding would be explored and if there was an underspend identified an alternative proposal to divert to another cultural activity would be presented.

Alderman Ramsey expressed his appreciation to the Head of Culture and her team for the tremendous amount of work carried out in dealing with this unexpected scenario due to Covid-19. He stated that it was important to ensure that Council provided as much assistance as possible to the organisations/groups in going forward.

The Chair welcomed the report and reiterated that this was an example of how Council can be proactive in terms of sustaining organisations during this current crisis, whilst also considering the financial impact on the ratepayer.

The Committee

Recommended that Council i) Approve the adjustment to the award allocation outlined in the report for Cultural Organisations; ii) Approve the proposed award allocation outlined in the report for the

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Heritage Animation Programme; iii) Approve the proposed award allocation outlined in the report for Headline Events 2020/21; iv) Approve the proposed award allocation outlined in the report for Community Festivals 2020/21 subject to confirmed funding support from the Department for Communities; v) Approve the adjustment to the proposed award allocation outlined in the report for the Artist and Practitioner Fund. BC81/20 Halloween 2020 Update

The Head of Culture presented the above report, details of which were previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to update Members on the current proposal for the Halloween Festival 2020, in-light of the likely restrictions that will be in place. The report also seeks Member approval to move forward with budget allocation and procurement processes required.

Councillor Cooper thanked the Head of Culture for the report. He referred to the ongoing restrictions due to Covid-19 and stated that due to the unprecedented situation it was impossible at this stage to predict the outcome by October. He added that from his party perspective they would support community hosting events for those people who preferred not to go into the City Centre due to the social distancing restrictions. He further added that this would provide an economic boost to the local traders and would also encourage the older generation to become involved with the Halloween celebration. He suggested that discussions take place with the North West Carnival Initiative (NWCI)to further develop community-based events.

The Head of Culture clarified for Councillor Cooper that discussions were ongoing with the NWCI under their current Service Level Agreement and their premise was about the development of community lead events.

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Councillor Cooper proposed, seconded by Alderman Guy that the Halloween Programme included the hosting of community-based events as opposed to City Centre based and a specific budget be allocated towards this type of event.

Councillor Ferguson expressed her support of the proposal by Councillor Cooper. She stated that the Halloween Event provided a major boost to the economy and queried how businesses can be supported during this period.

Councillor Cusack commented that the Halloween Event was the ‘jewel in the crown’ of all events and provided a massive boost to the economy. She welcomed the fact that the incentive was to continue to keep the event alive. She paid tribute to the Head of Culture and her team for the foresight to continue with the promotion of the event. She welcomed the proposal to create community focused events and stated that this would encourage local and cross-border tourism.

Councillor M Boyle concurred with previous speaker’s comments and supported Councillor Cooper’s proposal. She commented that the Halloween Event was one of the major events that people got excited about and no doubt they looked forward in anticipation to what Council intended to provide to replace the Carnival festival due to the Covid-19 restrictions. She welcomed the creative and innovative approach by Officers and the NWCI to ensure that a Halloween programme of events would be delivered at the end of October. She also suggested that Officer’s consider developing a programme for families to create their own Halloween sculptures outside of their homes and to participate in fancy dress online activities.

Councillor Mellon expressed support of the report and concurred with the previous speaker’s comments. She urged caution with on-line activities and boundaries imposed. She also referred to the fact that there was only one more meeting of the Committee before recess in August and therefore it was important to prioritise the Halloween proposal so to be ready for eventualities in the future.

The Head of Culture expressed appreciation of the comments by Members. She advised that the proposal presented today was basically to request that Members supported the budget allocation so Officers could proceed with the consultation process, whilst also remaining mindful of the Covid-19 restrictions. She further advised that as indicated in the report, the intention was to have further discussions

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with the Culture Working Group as changes to the regulations progressed. In terms of the on-line engagement activity, she advised that this was pivotal in order to retain an international audience and to encourage return to the event in future years. However, Officers were cognisant of the points raised by Councillor Mellon. She further advised that in terms of the delivery of the fireworks display, it was unknown at this early stage what would be feasible, however she assured Members that alternative options were being investigated whilst remaining cognisant of the impact to climate change requirements raised by Councillor Durkan.

The Committee

Recommended that Council; i) Approve the financial and procurement arrangements as outlined in the report subject to confirmation of funding from partners and note the contents of the report; ii) Approve the proposed outline of this year’s Halloween programme with a future report to be brought to this Committee in September for information following consultation with the Culture Working Group if required.

Open for Information

BC82/20 Business Emergency Response to Covid-19

The Head of Business presented the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to provide Members with an update on the emergency response to SME business support as a result of Covid-19.

Councillor Logue paid tribute to the Business team for the work achieved during the Covid-19 crisis. She referred to the ongoing discussions between the Head of Business and Invest NI officials in relation to the reopening of businesses and said that it was imperative that support be provided to those businesses due to the additional expenditure as a result of PPE measures. She also encouraged

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continued engagement with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) to ensure that support and guidance be provided to businesses going forward. She also queried if the Business and Culture Directorate had a contingency plan in place should this pandemic ever strike again.

The Director of Business and Culture in response to Councillor Logue agreed to request Invest NI to provide details of what funding packages were being designed for businesses as a result of additional expenditure due to the Covid-19 Crisis. He also confirmed that positive engagement with CCI was ongoing on a weekly basis and would be continued during this crisis period. He also referred to the diligent response to the emergency by Officers and confirmed that the contingency plan and emergency response processes had been updated to include actions required should the pandemic return in the future.

Alderman Ramsey referred to the high number of self-employed that had not met the criteria for financial support from Government and as a result their business would not reopen after lockdown. He queried if there had been discussions with Invest NI in that respect and emphasised the need for Council to continue with the lobbying campaign to assist businesses.

The Director of Business and Culture advised that in terms of issues raised from the business sector there was a mechanism provided whereby Officers could report to the Department of Economy and those issues were alluded to previously. He also referred to discussions with Heads of Economic Development from other Councils wherein there arose similar issues of concern. He added that clearly there existed gaps whereby individual businesses had not received the financial support and unfortunately there was no indication of an alternative scheme being offered by Government at this stage.

Councillor Cooper stated that in defence of Invest NI they were not solely responsible for the businesses that did not receive financial support. He said that the scheme was driven by the Department for Economy and the problems arose due to the criteria set. He referred to the high number of SME’s within the City and District Council area and as a result his party continued to raise those issues of concern with relevant departments. He insisted that the lobbying campaign continued so to seek clarity in terms of the criteria and to request flexibility so that the financial problems experienced by the smaller business be addressed as a matter of urgency.

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The Members noted the above report for information.

BC83/20 Peace IV Update

The Head of Business presented the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to provide Members with an update on the implementation of the DCSDC Peace IV programme.

The Members noted the above report for information.

The meeting went into confidential business.

Page 79 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 11c

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Open Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of the Environment and Regeneration Committee held remotely on Wednesday 10 June 2020.

______

Present: - Alderman Devenney (Chairperson), Aldermen McCready, McKane and Ramsey, Councillors J Boyle, Carr, Dobbins, Durkan, Edwards, Fleming, Jackson, McCann and McHugh.

In Attendance: - Mrs K Phillips (Director of Environment and Regeneration), Mr C Canning (Head of Environment), Mr F Morrison (Head of Capital Development and Building Control), Ms A McCourt (Media Officer), Ms L Gillespie (Digital Services Officer) and Miss L Bell (Committee Services Assistant).

Non-Members of Committee: - Aldermen Bresland, Guy, Kerrigan, and McClintock, Councillors Donnelly, Duffy, McKinney and Reilly.

______

ER84/20 Notice and Summons of Meeting

The Director of Environment and Regeneration read the Notice and Summons for the Meeting.

ER85/20 Member Attendance and Apologies

The Director of Environment and Regeneration completed the roll call. Apologies were received from Councillor Burke.

ER86/20 Declarations of Members’ Interests

There were no Declarations of Interest.

The Meeting went into Confidential Business to discuss Agenda Item 21 – Judicial Review of Decision to Grant Mineral Prospecting Licenses. (Refer to the Confidential Minutes).

Open for Decision

Chairperson Business

ER88/20 Tribute to Outgoing Chair and Deputy Chair

The Chair paid tribute to the previous Chair and Deputy Chair of the Committee, Councillors Tierney and McCann. He expressed his excitement to work with Councillor Tierney as Mayor and Councillor

Page 81 McCann within the Committee. He congratulated the Deputy Chair, Councillor Carr on his appointment and welcomed all new Committee Members as he looked forward to the challenging year ahead.

ER89/20 Covid 19 Works on the Quay

The Chair informed Members that he had been contacted by partially sighted Members of the Community in relation to concerns they had expressed surrounding kerbs within the work on the Quay.

The Director of Environment and Regeneration responded that she was aware of these complaints and had passed the details onto the Divisional Road Managers who will consider the issues raised as part of the scheme.

Councillor Reilly voiced concerns on a traffic management issue which had been highlighted by business owners within the Bond’s Hill area who felt there had been no consultation with them on the scheme. The Director of Environment and Regeneration undertook to bring this issue to the attention of the Department of Infrastructure and the Department of Communities.

The Chair expressed his disappointment that businesses had not been adequately consulted.

ER90/20 Pipe Bomb Attack

The Chair commended the work of the PSNI in recently removing handguns, ammunition and bombs from the streets. He condemned the recent pipe bomb attack in Lincoln Courts, adding that there was no place for this type of behaviour in any community.

ER91/20 Kilfennan Valley Park

The Chair condemned recent vandalism in Kilfennan Valley Park which had taken place within the past few Days.

The Director of Environment and Regeneration expressed her disappointment at these events and stated that Officers had been in contact with local community representatives and the PSNI.

ER92/20 Staff Rest Areas within Recycling Centres

The Chair requested a response from Officers concerning reports that Council staff at recycling centres had been forced to take breaks in areas which contained batteries and other hazardous materials.

Page 82 The Head of Environment reassured Members that this was not the case, adding that Council provided adequate welfare facilities which had been recognised by the NIEA and HSENI. He added that he was happy to discuss this individually with Members if they wished.

ER93/20 Allocation of Funding from Department of Communities

Councillor Duffy commented that there had been some misinformation circulating in respect to the allocation of funding received by Council. She clarified that Council had bid for £2 million funding with the other 11 Councils from a £20 million pot. She further clarified that a proportion of this £2 million was broken down as, £1.5 million from the Department of Communities, £500,000 from DAERA and £100,000 from CEFA. She commented that the final award from the Department of Communities was just under £1.3 million.

She congratulated the Minister for Communities in terms of bringing forward that pot of money and stated that she hoped that confused parties had sought the clarity they needed from the Minister on this matter, adding that she had not suspected foul play from the Minister as a few members had indicated.

Councillor Reilly referred to the shortfall in the funding allocated by the Department of Communities and highlighted the need for Council to endeavour to obtain all funding possible.

ER94/20 Request for a special Meeting of the Environment and Regeneration Committee.

Alderman McCready suggested the organisation of a special meeting of the Environment and Regeneration Committee to specifically discuss the following:

 The issue of signage at recycling centres requiring proof of address from members of the public. Alderman McCready stated that there had been some ambiguity regarding this signage, that it was unclear who had ordered its erection and then its removal and why. He also requested information on the disciplinary action which had occurred as a result of staff sharing photographs of the signage on social media.  The issue of the disposal of commercial waste at recycling centres. He requested information on Council’s Policy on this and information on Council’s current policy on charging for commercial waste disposal.

Page 83  The issue of waste from areas outside the Council District. He asked for information on Council policy on this.

Councillor McKinney congratulated the Chair on his appointment. He questioned the monitoring of commercial waste coming into recycling centres and if hazardous material such as asbestos and lead paint were monitored. He agreed that charging for the disposal of commercial waste could be a potential revenue stream for Council. He added that Council should be tackling the issue of users from other Council areas such as Causeway and Fermanagh using the Centres in the District and not just users from Donegal.

Councillor J Boyle expressed support from the SDLP to organise a special meeting to explore these issues further.

Councillor Jackson expressed support for the Chair in his new role. He explained that he felt the Head of Environment had already provided an explanation for the signage issue. However, he stated he was not in opposition to a special meeting if there was a need for more discussion. In relation to the issue of users from other areas using Council facilities, he highlighted that there was a report dealing with that issue at today’s meeting and did not see the requirement for a special meeting to discuss this. He expressed concerns that placing barriers to these users would increase fly tipping. He stated that commercial waste customer already paid for this service and placed his trust in Council staff to dispose of this appropriately.

The Chair expressed his support for the proposal.

Alderman Ramsey commented that he had intended to raise the contamination of blue bin waste as an issue within Chairperson’s Business but was happy to postpone this to be discussed at the special meeting also.

The Director of Environment and Regeneration explained that whilst she was welcomed a special meeting being arranged, advice would be needed from HR on disciplinary issues as this was a confidential matter. The Chair agreed with this point.

Councillor Edwards requested an update on the current arrangement for recycling facilities in the wider Castlederg area and requested that this be included on the Agenda for the special meeting.

Page 84 Alderman Kerrigan congratulated the Chair on his appointment and concurred with concerns about the recycling facilities at Killen.

Councillor Reilly requested that a report also be brought to the Special meeting concerning the closing of Glendermott Recycling Centre following advice given by HSE.

In response to Members’ queries, the Head of Environment outlined that following the closure of recycling centres across NI do to Covid, Council had a duty to follow a set of risk based guidelines which had been laid out by DAERA in re-opening facilities. He advised that the views of the PSNI must also be considered in relation to traffic management and that Officers had to consider social distancing and hygiene. In relation to the Killen site he clarified that the PSNI had concerns regarding the traffic management at the site and specifically access and egress given that the access was on a 60 mph road, on a sweeping bend with several dips in the road and visibility issues.

He reminded Members that Strabane District Council had tried to source alternative facilities for the Strabane area, however of the 2 potential sites, 1 was withdrawn from sale and there was large community opposition to the other. In relation to negotiations with the landowners of the Killen site, he advised that 1 of the landowners had requested Council purchase 50 acres of land when a maximum of 1 was required, he further advised that the legal team was in negotiation with the other landowner relating to site lines. He reminded Members that there was a temporary service operating at Spamount Playing Fields Castlederg operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1 and 4pm alongside the bulky waste collection service. In relation to Glendermott recycling centre he advised that the centre had reopened initially when none of the other businesses within the business park had reopened and that the situation altered in terms of traffic management when other businesses reopened. He explained that Officers were examining options such as a booking system which they would present to HSE for their approval to open with sufficient measures in place. He further advised that the feedback from HSE which would be given relating to the Glendermott be considered in the re-opening plans of all other Council recycling centres.

In response to claims of a lack of contact with the landowners, the Director of Environment and Regeneration undertook to follow raise

Page 85 this issue with Legal Services and provide an update at the special meeting of the Committee.

Councillor Durkan wished the Chair well in his recent appointment and requested that the issue of Zero waste be added to the Agenda of the special meeting. She further requested that the Committee write to the Minister for the Environment to request further provision for EV charging. The Director of Environment and Regeneration agreed to action this request.

Matters Arising from the Open Minutes of the Environment and Regeneration Committee held on Wednesday 11 March 2020.

ER95/20 Muff Glen Footbridge (ER65/20)

In response to a request from Councillor Fleming the Director of Environment and Regeneration undertook to bring a report to the July meeting to update members on the Muff Glen footbridge.

ER96/20 Correspondence Received from the Minister for Infrastructure (ER59/20)

In response from Councillor Jackson for an update on works on the Peace Bridge, the Director of Environment and Regeneration undertook to raise the issue with the Divisional Roads Manager and would follow this with a letter to the Minister should the response be insufficient.

ER97/20 Climate Change Emergency Pledge

The Director of Environment and Regeneration presented the above report, a copy of which had been previously circulated to Members. She advised that the purpose of the report was to seek Members’ approval to make a Climate Change Emergency Pledge, supported by an action plan formalising Council’s commitment to its Declaration on Climate Change.

Councillor Durkan thanked Officers for the report. She highlighted the importance of climate emergency stating that it should underpin all decisions within Council. She suggested deferral of the report to allow the all-party working group for climate change to discuss improvement to the pledge and give feedback to Council Officers.

Councillor McHugh endorsed the pledge on behalf of Sinn Feín and queried the planning implications of the report. He also supported Councillor Durkan’s proposal.

Page 86 In response, the Director of Environment and Regeneration clarified that the pledge should be considered by all aspects of Council business. She clarified that the Local Development Plan made many references to climate emergency. She informed Member that the Climate Emergency plan would be presented to the July Committee and agreed that Members comments could be taken on board and the pledge be updated and presented alongside the plan during the July Committee meeting.

The Committee

Recommended that Council approval of the Climate Change Emergency Pledge and Action Plan be deferred to the July Committee meeting to allow Members of the Working Group on Climate Change time to inform Officers of any improvements to the pledge that they would feel are appropriate.

ER98/20 Street Naming and Property Numbering – Request for Development Name

The Head of Capital Development and Building Control presented the above report, a copy of which had been previously circulated to Members. He advised that the purpose of the report was to gain Members’ consent to name a new development at Skeoge Road, Derry.

The Committee

Recommended that Council approve the adoption of the name Clon Dara Court for the housing development at Skeoge Road, Derry.

ER99/20 Probation Board- Graffiti Removal Partnership

The Head of Environment presented the above report to Members, a copy of which had been previously circulated. He advised that the purpose of the report was to seek Members’ recommendations with

Page 87 regard to a proposal received from the Probation Board in terms of a partnership approach to deal with instances of graffiti across the City and District.

Councillor McHugh expressed his favour of the agreement. He commented on the success a similar scheme in Belfast had experienced.

Alderman McCready also expressed his support for the partnership and commented on the positive knock-on effect it would have.

The Chair expressed his congratulations to the Head of Environment in securing this partnership and commented on some of the positive pieces of graffiti he had seen throughout the City and District in recent times.

The Committee Recommended that Council support the development of a partnership arrangement with the Probation Board of Northern Ireland to deal with instances of Graffiti across the district.

ER100/20 Waiver of Burial Charges-Update Report

The Head of Environment presented the above report to Members, a copy of which was previously circulated. He advised that the purpose of the report was to update Members with regard to the waiver of burial fees and to seek comments and recommendations on these arrangements.

Councillor Jackson reminded Members that the previous Mayor, Councillor M Boyle had brought this forward as a Mayoral initiative to support bereaved families during the pandemic. He outlined her reasons of compassion for the initiative and proposed that the waiver remain in place until regulations for the number in attendance at funerals was relaxed.

Councillor McHugh expressed support for the proposal.

Page 88 Alderman McKane stated that although this was a sensitive issue, Council should be mindful of its financial position. He highlighted that there had been no Covid deaths within the City and District in 3 days and urged close monitoring of the situation.

Councillor Carr reminded Members that he had initially voted against this initiative, however he now felt that the waiver should stay in place until funeral restrictions were relaxed.

The Committee Recommended that Council endorse the waiver of burial fees as outlined within the report with review to take place the Stormont Executive reviews the attendance at funerals. Open for Information

ER101/20 Bryson Energy

The Head of Capital Development and Building Control presented the above report to Members, a copy of which had been previously circulated. He advised that the purpose of the report was to update Members on the status of Bryson Energy and their position on Council’s representation of its Board.

The Committee

Recommended that Council notes the content of the report.

ER102/20 Procurement of Council’s Electricity Supplies

The Head of Capital Development and Building Control presented the above report to Members, a copy of which had been previously circulated. He advised that the purpose of the report was to update Members on the outcome of the tender exercise to procure Council’s electricity supplies.

The Committee Recommended that Council notes the content of the report.

ER103/20 Procurement of Council’s Natural Gas Supply

Page 89 The Head of Capital Development and Building Control presented the above report, a copy of which had been previously circulated to Members. He advised that the purpose of the report was to update Members on the outcome of the procurement of Council’s Natural Gas Supply.

The Committee

Recommended that Council notes the content of the report.

ER104/20 Fuel Oil Stamp Saving Scheme

The Head of Capital Development and Building Control presented the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. He advised that the purpose of the report was to update Members on the status of the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) funding for the Council’s Fuel Stamp Saving Scheme.

The Committee

Recommended that Council notes the content of the report.

ER105/20 Mobuoy Update

The Director of Environment and Regeneration presented the above report, a copy of which had been previously circulated to Members. She advised that the purpose of the report was to update Members in relation to the DAERA’s progress in the remediation of the Mobuoy Road illegal landfill site.

In response to a question form Councillor Fleming, the Director of Environment and Regeneration clarified that the DAERA Minister was now agreeable to a virtual meeting with Members. She suggested all Members of the Committee would be invited and that this would be arranged as soon as possible.

The Committee

Recommended that Council notes the content of the report.

ER106/20 Republic of Ireland Vehicles at Recycling Centres

Page 90 The Head of Environment presented the above report, a copy of which had been previously circulated to Members. He advised that the purpose of the report was to provide Members with an update regarding the number of Republic of Ireland vehicles accessing Councils recycling facilities.

Councillor Boyle stated it was important for Members to clarify the aspects they wanted to be discussed at the special meeting. He stated that he felt more information was needed on the vehicle recognition system used by Council, financial impacts of waste, the cost to dispose waste and the percentage of waste that comes from different Council areas. He asked Officers to clarify if there was an intention to keep security staff on the gates of recycling facilities and for how long, he expressed he was keen for them to continue the recording of vehicles coming to recycling centres and origins.

Alderman McCready concurred that a financial breakdown would be required at the special meeting. He clarified that the terminology should relate to vehicles outside the Council jurisdiction not just vehicles from the Republic of Ireland.

In response to Councillor Boyle’s question, the Head of Environment clarified that security staff would be employed to provide security services at recycling centres for as long as they were required.

Councillor Jackson asked that information on the financial implications of staff to check the origins of waste be included in the Special meeting. He also requested information on the financial impact of fly tipping be brought to the Special Meeting. He also questioned the potential financial impact that would be incurred if barriers were placed on using the recycling centres.

The Chair commented on the huge financial impact that cutting down on the amount of waste processed could have for Council.

The Committee

Recommended that Council notes the content of the report.

ER107/20 Building Control Applications

The Head of Capital Development and Building Control presented the above report, a copy of which had been previously circulated to Members. He advised that the purpose of the report was to advise

Page 91 members of applications processed under |Building Regulations (NI) between 1 April and 30 April 2020.

The Committee

Recommended That Council notes the content of the report.

The Meeting went into Confidential Business.

Page 92 Agenda Item 11d

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Open Minutes of the Meeting of Health and Community Committee of Derry City and Strabane District Council held Remotely on Thursday 11 June 2020 at 4.00pm. ______

Present: - Alderman McKane (Chair); Aldermen Devenney and Warke; Councillors R Barr, Duffy, Edwards, Farrell, Ferguson, Harkin, Logue McHugh, Mooney and Reilly.

Non-members of Committee:- Aldermen Kerrigan and McClintock; Councillors J Boyle, Carr, Donnelly, Durkan, Kelly, McCann and McCloskey.

In Attendance: - Director of Health and Community (Mrs K McFarland), Head of Community Development and Leisure (Mr B O’Hagan), Head of Health and Community Wellbeing (Mr S Donaghy), PCSP Manager (Mr D Harrigan) PA to Health and Community Director (Mrs L Shields) and Committee Services Assistant (Mrs T Johnstone). ______

HC81/20 Notice and Summons for Meeting

The Director of Health and Community read the Notice and Summons for the Meeting.

HC82/20 Members Attendance and Apologies

The Director of Health and Community recorded Members attendance. Apologies were received from Councillor Burke.

HC83/20 Statement for Remote Meetings

The Chair read the statement for remote meetings

HC84/20 Declarations of Members’ Interests

Alderman Devenney and Councillor Harkin declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following agenda item:

 No. 8: Advice Services 2020/21 – Extension of Funding to 31 March 2021.

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Councillor McHugh declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following agenda item:

 No. 7 Matters Arising from the Open Minutes of the Heath and Community Committee held on Thursday 12 March 2020 Playing Pitches and Ancillary Services Needs in Rural Strabane (HC63/20).

Councillor Reilly declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following agenda item:

 No.4 Deputation by Dr Bob Brown, WHSCT and Mr Dermot Parsons RQIA re: Care Homes in Northern Ireland.

Open for Decision

HC85/20 Deputation – to receive Dr Bob Brown, Executive Director of Nursing/Director of Primary Care and Older People’s Services WHSCT and Mr Dermot Parsons, Interim Chief Executive, RQIA re: Care Homes in Northern Ireland.

The Chair welcomed the representatives from the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) to the meeting and invited them to make their presentations.

Dr Brown proceeded to give a presentation to Members and highlighted the following:

Care Homes – Covid-19

• Prevention and Management of Covid-19 in Care Homes – Weekly Progress Monitoring Template • Trust Care Homes Surge Monitoring – progress return to HSCB on Surge Plan Actions • Trust Position • Trust Care Home Support Team • Trust Daily Risk Review of Care Homes – Care Home Reporting Template • Daily Care Home Dashboard Summary / RQIA App • Maintaining Care Homes Green Status

Prevention and Management of Covid-19 in Care Homes – Weekly Progress Monitoring Template

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• Overarching Aim - To deliver a comprehensive HSC response to support the prevention and management of Covid-19 in the Care Home sector • Prevention – reduce the number of outbreaks and number of residents infected in each outbreak • Mitigation - Provide robust integrated Medical, Nursing, AHP and • Social Care response commensurate with resident health care needs including acute clinical management of Covid-19 in residents • Resilience (service continuity) - Support, work in partnership with and strengthen Care Homes to ensure person centred care continues to be delivered to all residents irrespective of Covid-19 status.

Care Homes Surge Monitoring

• Weekly monitoring progress report to the Health and Social Care Board • Latest return submitted on 10 June 2020 • Overall Trust status - Amber • largely a result of the measure ‘Number of residents/staff with symptoms or confirmed Covid-19’.

Overall Position:

• higher number of Green homes (from 47 last week to 53 this week); • lower number of Amber homes (16 to 13); • lower number of Red Homes (2 to 1) and a higher ‘Incomplete / no return’ (4 to 7). • The definition of this data within the RQIA App has been clarified and supports reporting against this measure. • Western Trust matrix for RAG Rating includes additional measures – Safeguarding, Incidents reported (Datix) & Failure to Comply Notices. • Use a system of 3 factors being Amber = overall Amber or 2 Red – overall Red. • The regional criteria guiding overall RAG rating is based on any of the measures for a home being rated Amber or Red. Planning “assumptions” undertaken in the March modelling work

• There would be a significant number of outbreaks of Covid-19 across Care Homes with a worst case scenario of up to 90% or over 430 home being affected; • Care Home residents are more at risk because of individual vulnerabilities, shared living space and frequent close contact with staff.

Page 95 Other Planning Assumptions – March 2020

• Mortality rate for Covid-19 in Care Homes will be significant and higher than in the general population • Increased level of clinical acuity among multiple affected residents in individual homes and across the system • Large scale staff absences.

Trust Position - 9th June 2020 Current Number of Outbreaks per Trust • Belfast 18 • Northern 19 • South Eastern 15 • Southern 14 • Western 10

Care Home Support Team

Proactively supporting each Nursing and Residential Care Home to manage residents through the Covid-19 Pandemic. Includes: • co-ordinating PPE • advising on the care of Covid-19 positive residents • ensuring appropriate infection control measures are in place. • Daily Risk Review of Care Homes – Care Home Reporting Template

Daily risk review of all Care Homes

Care Home Reporting Template completed which includes: • information on Care Homes for which there are risks or concerns • details the areas of risks/concerns • the mitigation actions being taken to support these facilities.

Position at 9 June 2020:

• Nine Care Homes within the Trust who had reported risks / concerns in relation to patients / staff with symptoms. • Tests were undertaken, terminal cleans carried out and Trust staff visited Care Homes to advise on PPE and Infection Prevention & Control measures.

Regional Care Homes Dashboard - 9 June 2020 • Staff Tested – 10,973 • Staff Positive – 166

Page 96 • Residents Tested – 8,400 (62% of all residents) • Residents Positive – 244 • New Reported Deaths – 0 (awaiting validation) • Number of Beds • Occupied 12,832 • Available -1,461 • Not Available – 1,046 • Overall Self-rating Green • Workforce & Training Self-rating Green • PPE Self-rating Green • Cleaning Self-rating Green

Trust Summary - 8th June 2020 (68 Facilities) • Beds Occupied 1,799 • Usable Vacant Beds 184 • Unusable Vacant Beds 130

Please note: Data in this slide is based on self-reports from care homes through a regional App – Validation of this information is undertaken through direct contact with providers.

• Number of Resident New Cases in Previous 24hrs 0 • Number of Residents Symptomatic in Previous 24hrs 3 • Number of Residents Tested to Date 809 • Number of Current Residents Testing C+ in Previous 24hrs 4 • Total Number of Residents Affected to Date 171 • Number of Residents Hospitalised in Previous 24hrs 3 • Number of Resident Deaths in Previous 24hrs 1

Please note: Data in this slide is based on self-reports from care homes through a regional App – Validation of this information is undertaken through direct contact with providers.

• Number of Staff New Cases in Previous 24hrs 0 • Number of Staff Symptomatic in previous 24hrs 3 • Number of Staff Tested to Date 1,159 • Number of Current Staff Testing Positive in Previous 24hrs 3 • Number of Staff Self-Isolating in previous 24hrs 52 • Total Number of Staff Affected 223

Please note: Data in this slide is based on self-reports from care homes through a regional App – Validation of this information is undertaken through direct contact with providers.

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• Workforce/Training Status 66 Green, 2 Amber • PPE & Equipment Needs Status 68 Green • Overall Status 66 Green, 2 Amber

Please note: Data in this slide is based on self-reports from care homes through a regional App – Validation of this information is undertaken through direct contact with providers.

• Outbreak Covid 9 • Residents Receiving AGPs 7 • Residents Receiving Oxygen in Previous 24hrs 8 • Residents Receiving End of Life Care in Previous 24hrs 8 • Additional Staff Needed: Nurses - 2 / Healthcare Assistants 2 • Difficulties with Medicines None • Domestic Cleaning 67 Green, 1 Amber • Terminal Cleaning Support 1 • Residents in Acute Decline 3

Please note: Data in this slide is based on self-reports from care homes through a regional App – Validation of this information is undertaken through direct contact with providers. • Days Without Cases • Not Recorded: 4 • 0 Days: 27 • 1-10 Days: 9 • 11-20 Days: 5 • 21-30 Days: 3 • 31-40 Days: 3 • 41-50 Days: 2 • 51-60 Days: 3 • 61-70 Days: 3 • 71-80 Days: 5 • 81-90 Days: 2 • 91-100 Days: 1 • 365 Days: 1

Maintaining Care Homes Green Status Proposal:

All people being admitted or transferred into a Covid-19 free Care Home (Green Home*) from any setting, whether that be from hospital, supported living or directly from their own home will be tested and isolated for 14 days prior to admission/return to the Care Home.

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If symptoms develop within 14 days, the person should be re-tested and kept in isolation as per protocol. Clinical advice should be sought to ensure that the person is assessed and cared for appropriately.

* A Green Care Home is a defined as a Care Home that does not currently have a Covid-19 outbreak or flu like illness outbreak amongst either staff, residents or both.

Actions which may support Green homes maintain a Covid-19 free environment include: -

• Infection Prevention and Control visits to enhance the measures in place by the care home staff • Additional training to support appropriate use of PPE • Identification of the wider symptoms of Covid-19 so residents can be observed closely for deterioration • Staff working in the home including agency and bank should not also work in homes that have an outbreak • Carefully risk assessed decision-making regarding admissions and alternatives.

The Chair thanked Dr Brown for the presentation. He then invited Mr Parsons to make his presentation on behalf of RQIA.

Mr Parsons stated that firstly, he wished to commend the tremendous work carried out by staff in nursing and residential homes across the Council area. He stated that staff in those facilities had also been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic along with relatives and families who had been unable to visit loved ones.

Mr Parsons commenced his presentation and highlighted the following:

The role of the Regulation Quality and Improvement Authority

Northern Ireland’s independent health and social care regulator provides public assurance through independent, proportionate and responsible regulation. The Authority: Challenged poor practice Promotes improvement Safeguards rights of service users Informed the public of their findings

Page 99 Covid-19: Supporting Regional HSC Response

‘The Department is directing RQIA to reduce the frequency of its statutory inspection activity (as set out in The Regulation and Improvement Authority (Fees and Frequency of Inspections) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005) and cease its non-statutory inspection activity and review programme with immediate effect until otherwise directed.

I ask RQIA to continue to respond to ongoing areas of risk, such as where there are services currently in enforcement or where enforcement is being considered that RQIA will focus their activity where it is needed most to ensure safe care and act flexibly and proportionately.’

On 20 March RQIA were instructed by the Department not to carry out regular inspections of care homes and to solely investigate where areas of risk had been highlighted.

RQIA Service Support Team

• Established: 23 March 2020 • Membership: RQIA inspectors, senior inspectors and senior management • To provide advice, support and guidance to nursing homes, residential care homes and domiciliary care services during pandemic 7 days a week, 8am – 6pm • Ensured that care homes were prepared as much as possible for the pressures likely to occur during the pandemic • Distributed guidance documents on behalf of DoH, PHA and HSC Board to support services’ preparation for the management of Covid-19 cases • 35 percent of care homes in the Council area have had an outbreak of Covid-19 to date compared to 40 percent in England and 60 percent in Scotland. Illustrates how well services have worked in this area.

Detailed advice provided to services on a range of issues (around 4,000 contacts to date) – these included:

Initially • Personal Protective Equipment • Staffing • Infection control and prevention More recently • Medicines management • Testing

Page 100 • Introduction of the regional reporting app • each Trust gathering information in care homes – • provides comprehensive information of status of homes and the staff • Has reduced the burden of reporting as it helps services flag up which needed assistance.

Inspections

In common with the approach of health and social care regulators across the UK and Ireland, the frequency of RQIA’s statutory inspection activity has reduced to minimise the risk of spreading infection to people in care homes. However, RQIA continues to use its regulatory powers to respond to risks and concerns.

• Includes 32 on-site inspections in response to identified risk with enforcement action to address specific concerns at 4 services • aware of services where there were outbreaks • app is new tool put in place where the authority can view a number of homes with an outbreak or suspected outbreak • staff must report a death in 24 hours in care homes – • number of deaths is still higher than 2019 but not as high as 2019 during the pandemic – • Death rate more prevalent in larger homes, nursing homes, and in urban areas • no link between inspection findings or enforcements and outbreak.

Looking Ahead • RQIA continues to regulate and respond to risk • New ways of working, such as the new data app • Developing new approaches to inspection such as the use of PPE and technology • Continued partnership with the HSC to support regional response to Covid-19.

The Chair thanked Dr Brown and Dr Parsons for the detailed and informative presentations and invited comments from Members.

Councillor Harkin thanked Dr Brown and Dr Parsons for the presentations. He stated that they had been invited to present to the Health and Community Committee due to concerns expressed regarding issues at care homes, particularly during the emergency period. He noted in a report published in the local media that the Trust had been instructed to send patients infected with Covid-19 from

Page 101 hospital into care homes. Councillor Harkin queried if this had taken place at hospitals throughout the Council area. He stated that there had been criticism reported on the way that private care homes have functioned during the coronavirus pandemic. He further stated that such was the scale and level of concern that Council had voted to call for private care homes to be returned to the National Health Service.

Continuing, Councillor Harkin referred to a report by the WHSCT which reported that 335,00 items of PPE had been issued to care homes and requested confirmation on those figures. He queried if the owners of those care homes who received the PPE from the Trust and local community groups would be required to pay for the equipment. He then referred to the staff from the Trust who were redeployed to work in care homes and asked for a breakdown on how many hours were worked, which homes were staff redeployed to and what was the cost to the Trust and will the cost be recouped. He stated that Minister Swann had announced that there would be a package of support to the care homes for £11.7m. He stated that in his opinion, this funding should be scrutinised and monitored to ensure that it was allocated fairly and equally. He further stated that it was his understanding that the RQIA did not carry out any inspections during the pandemic and had only begun to carry out inspections after a judicial review had taken place and requested clarification on the matter.

In response, Dr Brown advised that the Trust did not transfer patients from hospital back into the care home setting who displayed symptoms or had tested positive for Covid-19. He stated that the Trust had worked on the basis that every person transferred from a hospital to a care home would have a Covid-19 test with communication of the results sent to that care home, adding that such residents were requested to be isolated on return to the care home for a 14-day period and their symptoms monitored.

Continuing, Dr Brown advised that approximately 700,000 items of PPE had been issued by the Trust from 20 March 2020 to date. He noted that approximately 80% of PPE had been utilised within the community on a partnership basis and that care home providers had a responsibility to acquire PPE for their staff. He stated that the Trust had worked successfully on the basis of providing support where needed. He stated that the overall regional cost for PPE and the redeployment of staff would be a significant amount and the Department of Health was responsible for requested costs to be repaid. He stated that this was an unprecedented experience for everyone with the important

Page 102 factor being the safety of staff and residents. He paid tribute to all staff working in care homes and stated that their attitude throughout the pandemic had been fantastic and exemplary.

Dr Brown then referred to the funding package from the Minister for Health and stated that a portion of that funding would be directly allocated to care homes and to the Trust. He advised that staff salaries were the responsibility of the Department for Health, the Health and Social Care Board and care homes. Therefore, the Trust would not intervene in this regard.

In response to a query regarding inspections, Mr Parsons advised that a legal process was underway which he was unable not comment on however, a judicial review was scheduled for later in the month. He advised that 6 inspections had been carried out during the emergency period with 26 since then. He concurred that whilst it was a low figure, during that time the least amount of information regarding concerns in care homes (not Covid-19 related) had been received.

Continuing, he reported that the authority had received over 100 calls from care home providers requesting support and guidance during the pandemic. He stated that they had received instructions from the Chief Medical Officer regarding carrying out inspections at care homes that had the potential risk. He advised that RQIA was mandated to follow those instructions until the Department of Health directed otherwise.

Councillor Reilly thanked the representatives on their informative presentation. He referred to the care homes currently in ‘green’ status and queried the timeframe for care homes to reach that stage as a major issue for those working in the care home environment was the lack of PPE and Covid-19 testing. He stated that lessons were to be learned in this regard as issues regarding the spread of infection in care homes had been quickly realised. He asked how the Trust dealt with issues such as the lack of connectivity from families during the emergency period and also how they handled the discharge of patients from the Covid-19 hospital back into the care home environment.

Continuing, Councillor Reilly referred to the recently launched Strategic Framework and asked if thought had been given in the strategy to the impact of immigration changes to those working within care homes and the rate of pay to employees. He stated that they were important, key issues to be addressed within the strategy. He then asked how

Page 103 technology could contribute to continue a suitable level of inspections in care homes.

In response, Dr Brown advised that the position in care homes changed on a daily basis and when indicators changed the Trust responded appropriately. He stated that it was a number of weeks before a care home reached the ‘green’ stage, with some care homes remaining at the green stage throughout. He noted a variable picture at the beginning of April, however a there had been a gradual and positive increase since then.

He referred to residents in care homes with other illnesses and stated that the Trust had carefully considered how to offer advice and support by way of visits, telephone contacts and liaising directly with care managers and staff. He stated that the cessation of visiting rights was hugely significant and a distressing situation for families during the pandemic. However, this had been the correct approach to take, adding that exceptions were permitted such as an end of life situation or a patient in extreme distress. He stated that the Trust had to protect those within the care home setting. Therefore, it was important to ensure that patients did not remain in an acute hospital for an inappropriate period of time. He noted that some families were keen to bring patients home to a domiciliary care setting and provide care with the support of the Trust.

Continuing, Dr Brown referred to the Strategic Framework document and concurred that immigration was an extremely important factor, particularly regarding cross border relationships. He stated that it was important to have a workforce that was supported and valued. He advised that in relation to the rate of pay to employees within care homes, that the Trust continued to support career development for those working in care homes to ensure that they were valued.

Mr Parsons explained in relation to inspections during the emergency period, lengthy engagements had taken place with managers and staff in care homes, trade union reps and other groups linked to the care home setting. He stated that these bodies had issued the RQIA with information regarding issues for consideration on which decide the appropriate response. He stated that it had not been always possible to respond with an inspection, however if there was evidence of significant concerns regarding safety of practice, inspections had been carried out during the height of the pandemic. He referred to the use of technology during the emergency period and advised that the RQIA

Page 104 was considering different types of technology to enable inspections to be carried out more widely. He stated that some new approaches would be technology reliant and would relay the necessary information to focus on lines of enquiry. He stated that any follow up would be made using a virtual approach if there were difficulties in being able to enter a particular facility. He noted that recent inspections were carried out in children’s homes using a virtual approach. He advised that technology had also supported enforcement action being taken within adult services as it had provided a reasonable degree of scrutiny.

Councillor Ferguson asked if Dr Brown could elaborate on the difference between amber and red status in care homes. She referred to the confirmed cases of Covid-19 patients being returned to care homes and asked if staff at the care homes had had obligated to accept them. She then referred to the daily data app and asked if the RQIA followed up on those care homes who did not supply the required information.

In response, Dr Brown advised that two or more residents or members of staff in a care home with symptoms of Covid-19, tested and confirmed positive would be an outbreak situation. He stated that indicators were in place which included; the number of people symptomatic in a care home, the number of people that had tested positive, both residents and staff; also across other domains such as the resilience of the workforce i.e. the percentage of staff on sick leave, the number of residents with a more acute illness and the number admitted to hospital and the ability to provide personal protective equipment (PPE). He advised that a care home that had two or more indicators at a particular status i.e. 2 with amber would be amber overall. Further indicators were incident reporting and a care home’s previous position on failure to comply notices to provide information of the overall culture of a home and the quality of service provided over time.

Continuing, Dr Brown stated that in terms of homes having a say on the pathway back from hospital or from their own home to a care home; the point of isolation from when a patient had a Covid-19 test and were then well enough, discussion would take place with family members on where they would be placed. He outlined that scenarios included a person having to stay in hospital for longer on the basis that there was no bed available or a risk with their isolation facility at the care home or their own home if there was an outbreak. He advised

Page 105 that patients could also transfer to a facility such as Waterside Hospital or Rectory Field Nursing Home for a Covid-19 recovery type pathway.

Mr Parsons referred to the reporting app and noted that as it was the first time care homes were mandated to complete a daily return. He stated that initially, response levels were not high, however they were currently between 96% and 99%. He stated that compliance levels were good as care homes were instructed to complete a daily return as a compulsory step. He stated that the data supplied was important as it gave an understanding of what was occurring in care homes on a regional basis. He further stated that in terms of a support approach, the public perception was that RQIA was a punitive body responsible for catching people out and applying penalties. He stated that the title Regulation and Quality Improvement should be the key that the organisation was responsible for improving the quality of services and the approach to improving quality should not be punitive. He added that by the support of approaches taken during the pandemic, there have been improvements in practice in a number of settings were people perhaps were not initially well informed. He stated that it was important for the organisation to work towards good practice for the development and growth in services and that during the pandemic there has been learning in new ways of working which should continue after the crisis ends.

Councillor Duffy stated that she welcomed the positivity within the presentation, particularly the green status given to the majority of care homes in the Council area. She noted that it had been identified at an early stage that residents within the care home setting were in a vulnerable group and stated that a ring of steel should have been actioned at care homes at an earlier stage to protect that group. She stated that in her opinion, the strategy to protect the NHS was more hospital focussed and that may have left care homes exposed to the virus. She queried if the Trust had encountered any staffing issues for the future and if there was a robust plan in place to prevent any issues in the event of a second surge of coronavirus. She further queried if any decision making procedures regarding medical treatment for patients in care homes had changed or had been affected during the pandemic. She then referred to those care homes that did not submit daily status reports and asked if there would be a follow-up at those facilities.

In response, Dr Brown stated that the Trust did follow up with the care homes that did not respond to the daily self-reporting. He further

Page 106 stated that care homes were continually reminded of the importance of submitting the information by the Trust and RQIA. In response regarding the vulnerability of the group and the ring of steel, he stated that some useful learning was needed should there be a second surge of the virus. He stated that it was important to build on the learning from the first surge. He noted that the Trust did act quickly by learning from what was taking place internationally. He stated that Councillor Duffy was accurate that hospitals received a lot of early attention, however care homes did act quickly with some closing facilities to visitors in the mid to latter period of March. He stated that Council had been commended for taking action in mid-March in response to the pandemic.

In response to staffing concerns, he stated that it was a challenge for the region and that from a nursing perspective the Trust was pleased that the intake at Magee Campus had increased each year. He stated that it was important to retain local nurses and develop pathways for more attractive caring assistants careers within care homes. He advised that the Trust was working towards introducing a robust staffing model for all within the health and social care sector and the Minister must ensure that the workforce was a key building block within the Strategic Framework. In relation to decision making Dr Brown was confident that when a person in a care home was unwell and required transfer to hospital, that due consideration was given to that patient. He advised that the GP was the responsible practitioner for every care home resident and if a resident is unwell a swift decision should be taken and could see no reason to believe this was not the case. He further advised that the Trust was to utilise a wellness indicator throughout all care homes to assess residents.

Councillor Edwards queried the proposals for new admissions and transfers to care homes, particularly in other areas throughout the Council area. He stated that staff employed in care homes in the Strabane area had expressed concern regarding the outbreaks of infection and were doing all they could to stop infection spreading. He felt that the Trust’s proposal that people transferred into a Covid-19 free care home from another setting could increase the risk of infection. He asked if this proposal had already been implemented and if so, was there any evidence that it had contributed to an outbreak.

In response, Dr Brown advised that the matter was a proposal at this stage. He stated that the evidence base was still limited for holding a person in a hospital or an alternative setting such as from Altnagelvin

Page 107 to Melmount Manor Care Home. He stated that it had been proposed that when a person who had recovered medically, would not go straight back to the care home and would be isolated in an alternative place. He stated that there may be challenges as it was important that during the 14-day isolation period staff and residents have were kept safe. He advised that if a person can be isolated at home in their own room with the proper support and tested beforehand, with daily temperature checks, this may be the more suitable approach. He noted that international evidence from Korea showed that 90% of homes stayed Covid free where staff lived in the care home. He stated that this approach brought opportunities but also challenges as the majority of care homes in this region could not facilitate this. He stated that the Department of Health was keen to test this method, however it met with resistance from trade unions for understandable reasons such as living in for staff would require a voluntary approach as well as ensuring suitable living conditions.

Alderman Devenney emphasised the importance of mandatory daily reporting from care homes to enable effective monitoring to take place. He queried that in the event of a second surge, would there be sufficient PPE and testing equipment in place.

In response, Dr Brown stated that the Trust was more confident now than at the beginning of the emergency period in March. He advised that a proactive daily assessment of PPE for all areas has been implemented which has resulted in the flow of PPE becoming more successful. He stated that he was hopeful if a second surge occurred, the entire region would have learned from the current crisis and have an early recognition of issues such as running low on face masks.

Councillor McCloskey noted that half of the fatalities were within the nursing home sector. She referred to the lack of PPE available and that community groups had to source and supply it to help out the vulnerable throughout the community. She stated that empty hospitals were decanting ill patients into the care home sector without being tested and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) certificates had been widely used in cases that it may not have been appropriate to do so. She noted that the British Medical Journal had reported that one third of the excess mortality rate in England and Wales were related to Covid-19. She stated that the other two thirds were as a result of the lockdown and the NHS not operating as it should and asked how many of these deaths were reported in the Council area. She stated that critically ill

Page 108 people were presenting themselves at out of hours who had not been assessed due to the cancellation of GP appointments.

In response, Dr Brown stated that from the beginning of March 2020, hospitals were not being emptied in any way with people carrying a risk of Covid spread into a care home. He stated that anyone transferring to a community facility had been tested from April onwards. He stated that there was a variation of asymptomatic unusual symptoms and those with common symptoms and that moving people from hospital to care home facilities was something the Trust took seriously and monitored carefully. He referred to the comments regarding DNR and stated that he had no evidence where people were forced sign a DNR in either a hospital or care home. He advised that a Medical Nursing Ethics Committee was put in place throughout the pandemic which was established to look at this subject area. He stated that GPs were members of that committee and that in the Western Trust area to the best of his knowledge, no-one had been in the position where they had felt compelled to undertake a DNR notice.

Continuing he stated that with such a focus on Covid-19, people were not getting access to other medical treatments. He stated that a significant number of services were reduced by all health and care organisations during the pandemic. He advised that when patients did not have access to the medical pathways that were previously available pre-covid, it would be understandable that people would get into difficulty with an increased risk of illness and unfortunately some had died earlier than expected. However, he could not offer a conclusive answer at this stage without a stronger evidence base.

Councillor Mooney stated that it was undoubtedly a tough time for workers in care homes which would have an emotional toll on their wellbeing due to a dip in morale. He asked what measures the Trust had in place for care home staff to help alleviate issues of low morale, particularly due to issues such as recruitment and retention.

In response, Dr Brown stated that with weekly virtual meetings with care homes, discussions have taken place regarding staff morale. He stated that some staff had included this within the daily reporting app. He stated that some staff had reported an impact on staff morale due to an increase in sickness absence or because they were close to residents and families in care homes. He stated that staff would also be impacted by the lack of visits by family members, particularly those families of long term residents. In relation to the impact on recruitment

Page 109 and retention, he advised that care home managers had been tremendous and communication has been highly effective. He stated that staff had raised issues with the Trust and the Trust has done their best to support them in as timely and effective way as possible. He referred to recruitment issues within care homes which he described as challenging. He stated that the Trust hoped to work with Council to develop clear pathways for recruitment and develop a career in the care home setting.

Councillor McCann stated that with regard to DNR documents, he was aware that in the very recent past, people in care homes had been asked to sign DNR forms. He expressed concern that such incidents had been reported by members of the public. He asked if there was information available on how much equipment such as PPE, had been allocated to private care homes along with grants and subsidies. He queried if there was any itemisation available on the value of the equipment supplied by the public service to care homes. He further asked what arrangements were in place for care homes to repay public funding, or if records were available on how much money had been recovered to date.

In response, Dr Brown stated that he was disappointed to hear that Councillor McCann had personal experience that people in some care homes in the Western Trust area had been asked to sign DNR forms. He stated that he would be happy to discuss this further with Councillor McCann at a later point as the matter required investigation with those affected and the relevant care home providers. In response to his comments on provision of equipment and grants, he stated that there was an audit trail of information available that could be given due consideration for discussion with Members at a later date.

Councillor Harkin stated that there had been a lot of anger and frustration regarding the situation in private care homes. He felt that, in his opinion, not enough inspections were carried out by RQIA at the height of the pandemic. He stated that staff had reported not having the sufficient or inadequate PPE and were being overworked due to insufficient staff within care homes. He asked if any inspections had been carried out in the Derry/Strabane area during the pandemic as he felt that regulatory bodies did not play a sufficient role in upholding private care homes to the required standard. He then requested Mr Parsons to elaborate on the inspections carried out by the RQIA during the emergency period.

Page 110 In response, Mr Parsons was definitive that no inspections were carried out using remote technology during the emergency period. He referred to one inspection, which required predominately looking at documentation in another location. He advised that each of the six inspections carried out involved the attendance of 2 inspectors equipped with full PPE into care homes where concerns had been raised. He stated that if people did not raise concerns with the RQIA, they were unable to take action. He noted that a compliance notice was issued during the pandemic when a staff whistle-blower described poor practice with PPE. He advised that an inspection subsequently took place and enforcement action was issued against the provider. He referred to inspections carried out in the Council area during the emergency period and advised that he would furnish Councillor Harkin with the necessary information.

The Chair thanked the presenters for their comprehensive presentations and thanked Members for the relevant comments and questions. He expressed concern regarding nursing homes which either did not comply or were slow to comply with the various bodies in relaying information. He further expressed concerns regarding staff being asked to reside in care homes.

Members of the Committee paid tribute to the care home staff who had worked tirelessly during the emergency period.

Dr. Bob Brown and Mr Parsons thanked Council for the opportunity to attend Committee and subsequently left the meeting.

Members congratulated Alderman McKane on his appointment of Chair of the Heath and Community Committee and to Councillor R Barr on his role as Deputy Chair. They extended their best wishes for the year ahead.

Chairperson’s Business

HC86/20 Condolences

Councillor Reilly thanked the Chair for allowing him to raise the matter of the recent passing of Mr Seamus McAnee. He stated that Mr McAnee was the lynchpin of the City of Derry Swimming Club and a founding member of Derry Credit Union. He asked that Council write a letter of condolence to the family of Mr McAnee at this sad time.

HC87/20 Incoming Chair and Deputy Chair

Page 111 Alderman McKane thanked Members for their kind words and appreciated their comments on his appointment as Chair of the Health and Community Committee. He expressed his thanks to Councillor Fleming, outgoing Chair, on his good work over the past year and described how he had conducted committee business in a fair manner. He also thanked Councillor Ferguson on her work as Deputy Chair. He welcomed the incoming Deputy Chair, Councillor R Barr and looked forward to working with him throughout the year. He then extended a welcome to Councillors Edwards and Mooney to the Health and Community Committee and wished them well.

HC88/20 Men’s Action Network

The Chair stated that he had been contacted by Men’s Action Network (MAN) who wish to make a presentation to Members of the Health and Community Committee and asked if Members were in agreement. Members agreed that the Men’s Action Network be invited to attend to make a presentation at a future meeting of the Health and Community Committee.

HC89/20 Attack on Tullywhisker Orange Hall

The Chair expressed his condemnation at the recent attack on Tullywhisker Orange Hall, situated between Castlederg and Sion Mills. He stated that he was saddened and angry to hear of the attack on the premises which was regularly used to hold community events. He stated that any attack on any community hall must be condemned.

Councillor McHugh concurred with the Chair’s comments regarding Tullywhisker Orange Hall and stated that such attacks served no purpose whatsoever.

HC90/20 Matters Arising from the Open Minutes of the Health and Community Committee held on Thursday 12 March 2020.

The Open Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 March 2020 (HC57/20 – HC75/20) were confirmed and signed by the Chairperson.

Matters Arising from the Minutes

HC91/20 Playing Pitches and Ancillary Services Needs in Rural Strabane (HC63/20)

Page 112 Councillor McHugh noted that officers were aware that the Gaelic club at Castlederg had approached Council in 2019 regarding future needs for playing facilities due to work to be carried out on the training pitch. He stated that Spamount Playing Fields had been identified as a site to facilitate training. He stated that the club had met with Council officers and it was agreed that GAA posts would be erected as a temporary measure in May 2020. He stated that due to the coronavirus pandemic this had not materialised and that whilst he appreciated a recent update from the Director he asked if the GAA posts would be supplied when Spamount Playing Fields re-opened.

In response, the Head of Community Development and Leisure advised that Council was currently in crisis management mode with a number of staff furloughed. He advised that Council had not been progressing with any developmental projects as facilities and sites were closed down. He stated that as Council moved towards recovery mode in line with plans outlined by The Executive, the request would be given consideration. However, no guarantee could be given in terms of procuring the equipment. He advised that the Lead Finance Officer had to approve any discretionary spend going forward due to the current financial position of Council. He stated that he would provide an update on the matter once timescales on re-opening of facilities/sites were confirmed.

HC92/20 Advice Services 2020/21 – Extension of Funding to 31 March 2021

The Head of Community Development and Leisure presented the above report, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to seek Members’ approval to extend funding allocations to current Advice Providers for an additional nine months for the period 1 July 2020 to 31 March 2021 based on the allocations provided for 2019/20.

Councillor Farrell endorsed the recommendation within the report. He welcomed the news that the advice providers were being allocated funding during these times of uncertainty. He referred to the one year pilot programme in respect of Appeals and Tribunals Representation and stated that funding had been approved in March dependent on a response from the Department for Communities (DfC). He queried if any response had been received.

In response, the Head of Community Development and Leisure stated that a report would be presented at the July Committee meeting

Page 113 regarding delegated decisions by council and that confirmation had been received from DfC on funding. Council has written to the relevant providers to advise them that the Appeals pilot programme could continue for a further year.

Councillor Logue thanked the Head of Community Development and Leisure for the report and seconded the recommendation therein. She stated that given the additional pressures to advice services during the lockdown period, she asked that there be no detrimental effect on achieving their standards during this time.

In response, the Head of Community Development and Leisure stated that in terms of the quality of advice, regardless of the number of queries and tribunals that advisers were involved in, the quality of advice would be measured accordingly. He advised that all three providers would have experienced similar difficulties with an uptake on services and increase in demand and that the quality of advice was still important, regardless of the numbers.

The Committee

Recommended that Members approve the extension of funding allocations to Council’s current Advice Providers for an additional nine months for the period 1st July – 31st March 2021. Allocations to the three advice providers, Dove House, Resource Centre Derry and Advice North West for the 20/21 financial year will be based on the allocations provided for the 2019/20 financial year.

HC93/20 Leisure and Sports Services Pricing Policy and Schedule of Charges 2020/21

The Head of Community Development and Leisure presented the above report, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to seek Members’ approval for the Leisure and Sports Services Pricing Policy and Schedule of Charges 2020/21.

Councillor Logue stated that Council’s Pricing Policy was extremely attractive in comparison to other councils and endorsed the

Page 114 recommendation within the report. She queried if the pricing policy was in alignment with Strabane.

In response, the Head of Community Development and Leisure stated that from inception of Derry City and Strabane District Council, the prices were the same across the entire Council area.

The Committee

Recommended that Members approve the Leisure and Sports Services Pricing Policy and Schedule of Charges 2020/21.

HC94/20 Northern Ireland Assembly Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill – Draft Response to Consultation

The Head of Community Development and Leisure presented the above report, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to seek Members’ approval to a Draft response to the NI Assembly Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill.

Councillor McHugh stated that he had comments to be included in the Draft response and asked if those comments could be forwarded to the relevant officer.

In response, the Head of Community Development and Leisure requested that if Members had specific comments to be included in the Draft response to forward them to him directly.

Recommended that Members approve the Draft response to the Northern Ireland Assembly Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill and subject to inclusion of additional points forwarded by Members.

HC95/20 Nomination of Chairperson to the Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership

Page 115 The Head of Community Development and Leisure presented the above report, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to nominate the Chairperson to the Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership.

Councillor Farrell nominated Councillor Reilly as Chairperson to the Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership.

Councillor Reilly Seconded the nomination.

The following changes were made to the membership of PCSP

SDLP – Councillor J Barr to replace Councillor Tierney SF – Councillor M Boyle to replace Councillor McHugh.

The Chair and Members congratulated Councillor Reilly on his appointment.

Councillor Harkin referred to the recent Black Lives Matters protests that took place in Belfast and Derry. He stated that 57 people in Derry were issued with fines and the threat of prosecution for attending the rally in Guildhall Square. He stated that the coloured and ethnic minority groups in the City supported the demands that a review takes place, a public apology issued to members of the black community and that the fines and threats of prosecution were dropped. He stated that Council must clearly state that what occurred in Derry was not proportionate as claimed by the Minister for Justice and that the harassment of the coloured community in Derry should be condemned. He stated that he wished to see Committee Members particularly those who were also members of PCSP join him in expressing their condemnation.

Councillor Donnelly stated that his views of the PCSP were well known and reiterated his view that funding to PCSP should be withdrawn as he felt that the Board was a waste of money and time. He referred to a recent incident in the Creggan area of the city which involved two children, one with special needs who were assaulted by the PSNI. He stated that there was no mention of this by SDLP as he felt, in his opinion, the party were selective on which issues to comment on. He concurred with the comments by Councillor Harkin regarding the actions of the PSNI at the Black Lives Matter rally.

Page 116 Councillor Duffy stated that as a member of PCSP, a meeting took place on 10 June where the Black Lives Matter protest was discussed in the vein that the position of the PSNI was not proportionate to the protest. She advised that Members from Sinn Féin had also held a private meeting with the PSNI to voice their serious concerns.

Alderman Devenney stated that in his opinion, protests should be carried out but in the correct manner. He felt that in his opinion, the PSNI had given a good account of themselves at the recent PCSP meeting and he believed that Council did not have the right to interfere in the issue of fines as it was the responsibility of the judicial system and the PSNI.

Councillor Reilly stated that due to technical difficulties he was unable to hear the comments from Councillor Donnelly. He concurred with the comments made by Councillor Harkin and stated that the matter had been raised by the Chief Constable and Colum Eastwood MLA and that the Derry team of the SDLP had also discussed the matter with the PSNI. He advised that in advance of his nomination as Chairperson to the PCSP, he had spoken to the PCSP manager regarding meeting with the PSNI on a way forward with the black and ethnic minority groups and the PSNI for the year ahead.

Councillor Harkin proposed that the Committee (i) agree that the actions by the PSNI that occurred at the Black Lives Matter rally on Saturday 6 June in Derry was not proportionate, (ii) agree that fines issued and threats of prosecution towards protesters be immediately rescinded.

He then referred to comments made by Alderman Devenney and stated that no violence had occurred at the rallies held in Belfast and Derry. He stated that protesters had adhered to social distancing yet were harassed and it was an example of how people’s right to protest had been trampled on and was also testament to the racism that occurs in the United States and the UK. He stated that black people and those of ethnic minorities were demanding answers from those who gave authority for the harassment to take place and from the PSNI who carried it out. He stated that whilst he welcomed agreement from political parties that fines and threats of prosecution should be dropped, there also needed to be an apology offered to the organisers of the protest.

Page 117 In response to comments made by Councillor Harkin, Alderman Devenney stated that he wished to remind Councillor Harkin that the message had been relayed by the Unity of Purpose meeting on Friday evening to call for the protest not to proceed. He stated that Councillor Harkin should understand the very unusual circumstances regarding Covid-19 and that society had a duty of care to protect each other during this time.

Alderman Warke stated that as a Member of PCSP, he echoed the sentiments expressed by Alderman Devenney on the matter. He stated that the rally should not have taken place. He stated that whilst everyone had the right to protest, the rally should not have taken place, particularly when the citizens of the city and district had been doing so well during the lockdown period when they could not visit the city cemetery, attend funerals or visit family members. He said that by the protest going ahead it placed risk on healthcare workers and people’s lives.

Councillor Ferguson referred to comments by the Minister for Justice that actions by the PSNI were proportionate. She stated that whilst she fully supported the Black Lives Matter movement and the right to protest, there needed to be more innovative ways to protest during the emergency period. She stated that she was not in a position to make any comment or support the proposal until a full, transparent review had taken place.

Councillor Harkin Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Reilly

That the Committee (i) agree that the actions of the PSNI that occurred at the Black Lives Matter rally on Saturday 6 June in Derry was not proportionate, (ii) agree that fines issued and threats of prosecution towards protesters be immediately rescinded.

Members voted on the proposal and the result was as follows:

For:- 8 Against:- 4 Abstentions:-1

The Proposal was therefore carried.

The Committee

Page 118 Recommended that Members (i) approve the appointment of Councillor Reilly as Chairperson of the PSCP Board, (ii) Councillor J Barr to replace Councillor Tierney and Councillor M Boyle to replace Councillor R McHugh; (iii) agree that the actions of the PSNI that occurred at the Black Lives Matter rally on Saturday 6 June in Derry was not proportionate and (iv) agree that fines issued and threats of prosecution towards protesters be immediately rescinded.

HC96/20 Coronavirus Business Restrictions and Closures - Enforcement

The Head of Health and Community Wellbeing presented the above report, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to update Members on correspondence issued to Councils on 15 May 2020, concerning the decision by the NI Executive to designate Councils as the enforcement body with respect to Regulations 3, 4, 7 and 9 of the Health Protections (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 and the associated guidance for district council enforcement officers. Also to seek Members’ approval of the Draft DCSDC Enforcement Protocol for the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020.

The Committee

Page 119 Recommended that Members (i) note the decision by the NI Executive to designate Councils as the enforcement body under Regulation 7 and Regulation 9 of the Health Protections (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 with respect to enforcing the provision of Regulations 3 and 4 and the associated guidance for District Council enforcement officers; (ii) approve Council Enforcement Protocol for the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 and (iii) Council will indemnify said authorised officers in accordance with its current indemnity arrangements.

HC97/20 Appointment of an Additional Public Analyst

The Head of Health and Community Wellbeing presented the above report, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to update Members on the appointment of an additional Public Analyst adding to the list of Public Analysts previously approved by Council in May 2018 and to seek Council approval for the newly appointed person.

The Committee

Recommended that Members approve the appointment of the additional public analyst as outlined within the report.

Open for Information

HC98/20 Allergen Seminars 2020

The Head of Health and Community Wellbeing presented the above report, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to inform members about Allergen Seminars which were organised and conducted by the Food Safety Team of the Council, for Food Business Operators (FBOs).

Page 120 The Committee

Recommended that Members note the information within the report.

HC99/20 Creation of Dog Control Orders under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

The Head of Health and Community Wellbeing presented the above report, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to update members on the creation of Dog Control Orders under The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and consultation on same.

Alderman Devenney welcomed the report. However, he wished to raise the issue of dog fouling once again. He stated that there had been an increase in complaints of dog fouling throughout the lockdown period. He noted that he had requested on three occasions a report on the number of fines issued and taken to court over the past five years.

In response, the Head of Health and Community Wellbeing stated that a report on the matter would be presented at the July Committee meeting. He then provided an update on fixed penalties issued over the last two years. In 2018/19 there were 5 fixed penalties issued for dog fouling and 38 for straying, adding that there was a consensus that a stray dog resulted in fouling. Also, in 2019/20 there were 2 fixed penalties issued for fouling and 27 for straying. He further advised that it was proposed to authorise additional Council staff to issue penalties in the future.

Councillor Logue queried how many employees within council were authorised to issue fixed penalty notices and how many for the future.

In response, the Head of Health and Community Wellbeing stated that it was his understanding that approximately 8 or 9 officers were authorised to issue fixed penalties for dog fouling. He stated that the internal working group would establish how many more staff would be needed to authorise the notices.

Alderman Devenney expressed his disappointment at the statistics provided. He stated that numerous initiatives had been introduced in an attempt to tackle dog fouling in the Council area, but all had been

Page 121 unsuccessful. He stated that Council needed to take the matter seriously and consider other ways of tackling the problem.

The Committee

Recommended that Members note the intention to re advertise by way of public notice the Council’s intention to create 3 new Dog Control Orders under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011.

HC100/20 Update on the Affordable Warmth Scheme Funding for 2020/21

The Head of Health and Community Wellbeing presented the above report, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to update Members on the revised level of funding that has been awarded to Council by the Department for Communities (DfC) with respect to delivering the Affordable Warmth Scheme for the 2020-21 financial year.

Councillor Farrell referred to the Committee meeting on 12 March 2020. He stated that at that meeting he felt that DLA/PIP/Attendance Allowance should be disregarded in terms of the £20,000 household income threshold and asked if there had been any update on this request. He also queried why the Affordable Warmth Working Group had not been included on the list of internal bodies at the Special Council meeting on 8 July 2020.

In response, the Head of Health and Community Wellbeing stated that at that meeting, a report had been provided regarding a level of funding for the Affordable Warmth Scheme which was a positive step due to an increase in funding to continue to 2024 as a flagship project for the Department for Communities (DfC). Unfortunately, that funding has been reduced due to Covid-19 restrictions and therefore it was not possible to continue the scheme due to the requirement to carry out home visits and DfC was solely accepting emergency referrals. He stated that it was hoped to continue having the referrals processed as quickly as possible once the restrictions have been relaxed.

In response to the query regarding the Working Group, he outlined that the group was a task and finish working group. He advised that the

Page 122 committee had felt that they had achieved what they set out to deliver, particularly the allocation of the proposed funding. He advised that if Members wished, the Affordable Warmth Working Group could be reconvened.

Councillor Farrell thanked the Head of Health and Community Wellbeing for the update. However, he stated that the funding position had changed and was still very much a live issue. He stated that the working group was valuable as it had offered insight to the scheme and outlined how people could be supported to get out of fuel poverty. He proposed that once the restrictions were lifted and once DfC provides a decent level of funding for the scheme that the working group be reconvened.

Councillor Reilly indicated that during the lockdown period, the majority of people had to remain in their homes, therefore it was important to ensure that those homes were warm. He seconded the proposal and nominated Councillor Farrell to the Working Group when it reconvened.

The Committee

Recommended that Members (i) note the interim offer of funding from the Department for Communities, for delivering the affordable warmth scheme; (ii) the Affordable Warmth Working Group to be reconvened and (iii) Councillor Farrell be nominated as a member of the Affordable Warmth Working Group.

HC101/20 Correspondence

The Director of Health and Community presented the above report, details of which were previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to update Members on correspondence received by Council.

The Committee

Recommended that Members note the contents of the report.

Page 123 HC102/20 Consultations

The Director of Health and Community presented the above report, details of which were previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to update Members on consultations received by Council.

The Committee

Recommended that Members note the contents of the report.

The meeting went into Confidential Business.

Page 124 Agenda Item 11e

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Open Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held remotely on Wednesday 17 June 2020 at 2.00pm. ______

Present: - Councillor Jackson (Chairperson), Aldermen Bresland, Kerrigan, McClintock; Councillors J Barr, J Boyle, Dobbins, Gallagher, Harkin, Kelly, Logue, McGuire and McKinney, Mellon and Mooney.

In Attendance: - Head of Planning (Ms M Fox), Head of Planning Performance and Improvement (Mr E Molloy), Lead Legal Services Officer (Mr P Kingston), Principal Planning Officers (Mrs S McCracken and Mrs A McNee), Senior Planning Officers (Ms S Barrett, Mr J Spottiswood and Mr M McCarron) Business Services Officer (Mrs L McKean), Committee Services Assistant (Mrs J Short). ______

P54/20 Notice and Summons for Meeting

The Head of Planning read the Notice and Summons for the meeting.

P55/20 Member Attendance and Apologies

The Head of Planning completed the roll call and noted full attendance.

P56/20 Statement for Remote Meetings

The Chair read the Statement for Remote Meetings. He also reminded Members of the addendum to the Protocol for Operation of Planning Committee applicable to virtual meetings to be held due to the Covid- 19 Pandemic.

P57/20 Declarations of Members’ Interests

Councillor Gallagher declared an interest in planning application: LA11/2019/0685/F.

Councillor Bresland declared an interest in planning application: LA11/2019/0880/F.

Councillor J Barr declared an interest in planning application: LA11/2019/0685/F

1 Page 125

Councillor Jackson declared an interest in planning applications: LA11/2020/0071/A and LA11/2019/0431/O.

Councillor Harkin declared an interest in planning application: LA11/2019/0595/F.

Open for Decision

Chairperson’s Business

P58/20 Expression of Appreciation

The Chair expressed his delight with the continuation of his role as Chair of Committee for another consecutive year. He expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Deputy Chair, Councillor Harkin and welcomed the incoming Deputy Chair, Councillor J Boyle. He expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Members, Councillor Logue and Durkan and thanked them both for their valuable contribution to Committee business during the previous term. He welcomed newly appointed Members, Councillor Mellon and Mooney and said that he looked forward to their contribution with Planning decisions during the new term.

The Chair referred to the previous 3 months and said that it had been a challenging period for Council due to the Covid-19 restrictions. He said that he looked forward to the return of the Planning Committee meeting today, despite it being a virtual meeting, because it provided the opportunity for Members to make important Planning decisions that would impact the economy and also the lives of citizens from the City and District Council area.

The Chair commended the Head of Planning and Officers on the tremendous amount of work achieved during the emergency crisis and for the continuation of the Planning service. He however added that due to an accumulation of applications it would be necessary to hold additional Planning Committee meetings next month and Members would be kept updated on the arrangements.

Members expressed congratulations to the Chair and wished him well for the new term.

2 Page 126 P59/20 Late items received re. Planning Application: LA11/2017/0902/F

The Head of Planning confirmed that 3 No. late items had been received in relation to planning application: LA11/2017/0902/F and the information was subsequently forwarded to Members by email, in advance of the meeting today.

The Chair referred to the late information received from Councillor Fleming, wherein he expressed frustration that the objectors could not access the IT equipment in order to avail of the opportunity to address Committee. He proposed that the application be deferred to the next Committee Meeting, to allow all interested parties to express their views. Alderman McClintock seconded the proposal and the consensus from Members was to support the proposal.

The Committee

Resolved that planning application LA11/2017/0902/F be deferred and presented at the next Planning Committee meeting.

P60/20 Pre-Determination Hearing (PDH) re:

Planning Application: LA11/2016/0976 Residential development of 33 No. houses comprising 8 no bungalows and 25 no 2 storey dwellings with landscaped amenity space, internal road layout and pedestrian cycle link to riverside walkway. Junction improvements at Ebrington Park / Limavady Road and Rockport Park / Limavady Road junctions to provide visibility splays at Lands @ Rossbay off Limavady Road, Waterside, Derry.

The Head of Planning declared an interest with the above item and left the meeting.

The Head of Planning Performance and Improvement referred to the above application and advised that it was necessary to schedule a PDH due to the high number of significant objections received. He requested that Members provisionally hold Wednesday 8 July 2020 at 10.30am and further details would be forwarded in due course.

The Head of Planning returned to the meeting.

3 Page 127 P61/20 Arrangement for future Planning Committee Meetings

The Chair referred to discussions with the Officer Team regarding social distanced meetings and the return of Committee meetings to the Guildhall Chamber next month. He said that in comparison to other Committees, the Planning Committee presented a unique set of challenges due to the involvement of the public. He sought Members views on the way forward.

The Deputy Chair expressed the opinion that he would be keen and anxious for Members to meet physically as soon as possible. He asked for Officers to investigate options of returning to the Chamber, taking into consideration adherence to social distancing guidelines. He also referred to the backlog of planning applications to be processed and suggested an additional Planning Committee meeting be scheduled during the recess period in August.

The Head of Planning advised Members that the number of accumulated planning applications due to the emergency crisis period was in the region of between 15-20 applications that required presentation to Committee. She further advised that two consecutive meeting days of the Planning Committee were required in July (1 July and 2 July, in order to process all of the applications. She also advised that Officers had issued a total of 82 applications under delegated scheme during the month of May and resulted in a higher than average outcome and no backlog of applications.

Members expressed support of a socially distanced meeting of the Planning Committee next month and for Officers to explore the options in consideration of the current restrictions.

Matters Arising from the Open Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 4 March 2020 P62/20 P46/20 Correspondence from DfI re. Planning Application: LA11/2017/0510/F

Councillor McGuire referred to the above item and the request for Council to write to the Minister for Infrastructure to ascertain if she was aware of the Department’s decision to issue the direction for DCSDC not to grant planning permission until further advised by the Department. He requested an update.

The Head of Planning agreed to provide an update to Members at the next Planning Committee meeting.

4 Page 128 Councillor McGuire requested that if a response had not been issued from the relevant Minister, that a further request be made for an urgent update and to advise whether the direction provided by the Department would set a precedent for similar applications in the future.

P63/20 Matters Arising from the Open Minutes of the Inquorate and Virtual Special Planning Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 24 March 2020

There were no matters arising from the above minutes.

P64/20 Planning Applications List with Recommendation for Decision

New Applications

LA11/2017/0902/F – Housing Development consisting of 97 units, creation of new access and associated infrastructure and ancillary works (amended plans) at lands at Ballygudden Road, to the North and West of No. 11 Ballygudden Road, Eglinton.

It was agreed under Chairperson’s business to defer the above application due to late items received that reflected a high number of objections. The application would be presented at a future in person social distance meeting to give objectors the opportunity to address Committee Members.

Alderman Bresland declared an interest in the following application and left the meeting.

LA11/2019/0880/F – Proposed residential-led mixed use development comprising 158 residential units in a mix of dwellings and apartments of mixed tenure, two retail units (Class A1), office space (Class B1), multi-functional space and ancillary accommodation with public and private amenity space, parking, landscaping, access arrangements from Beechmount Avenue and associated ancillary site works (amended proposal and amended plans) at lands east of 10-32 (evens) Melmount Road, south of Beechmount Avenue, west of 19 Beechmount Avenue, 11-16 Delaney Crescent and 33-37 Olympic Drive and north of 31,33, 35 and 37-46 Ashgrove Park, Strabane BT82 9BE

The Senior Planning Officer (SPO) presented the above application, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. It was

5 Page 129 recommended to grant approval based on material consideration in- line with planning policy and subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

Members received speaking rights from Councillor M Boyle (Non- Committee Member) who outlined reasons to support approval of the application on behalf of the applicant.

Members received speaking rights from Mr Sam McKee who outlined reasons to support approval of the application, after which Members sought points of clarification from the speakers.

Councillor J Barr expressed support of the application because the site had laid derelict for many years. He added that the application also addressed the social housing crisis within the City and District Council area.

Councillor J Barr proposed, seconded by Councillor McGuire to support the SPO’s recommendation to grant planning approval, subject to the conditions as provided within the report.

Discussion ensued after which the outcome of the vote was unanimous support of the proposal.

The Committee

Resolved that planning application LA11/2019/0880/F be granted planning approval, subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

Councillor M Boyle and Mr Sam McKee left the meeting at this stage.

Alderman Bresland returned to the meeting.

LA11/2019/0007/RM – Demolition of existing buildings, site remediation, repositioning of existing vehicular access on Woodside Road and the erection of 71 residential units and associated car parking provided both in-curtilage and on-street,

6 Page 130 together with the provision of centrally located public open space. This application seeks permission for an amended layout to that approved under Outline Planning Permission ref. LA11/2016/0753/O on land at former IAWS site located at Woodside Road, Newbuildings together with existing residential land at No’s 61-63 Woodside Road, Newbuildings.

The SPO presented the above application, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. She provided an outline of the background to the application and based on material consideration and in line with planning policy recommended an approval, subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

Members received speaking rights from the applicants’ agent Mr Mark McIvor, who outlined reasons to support approval of the application.

Alderman McClintock proposed, seconded by Councillor Mooney that the SPO’s recommendation to approve the application be supported.

Members unanimously agreed to support the proposal.

The Committee

Resolved that planning application LA11/2019/0007/RM be granted planning approval subject to the conditions as outlined in the report.

The Chair declared an interest in the following application and left the meeting. The Deputy Chair (Councillor J Boyle) took the position as chair of the meeting and invited the Senior Planning Officer to present the application to Members:

LA11/2019/0431/O – Erection of 4 No. IT service and data centre buildings, substation compounds, generators, switch gear and transformers together with internal access roads, vehicular access, car parking, security perimeter fencing and gate houses, external site lighting, and associated works. Lands East and West of Maydown Road and situated approximately 150 metres North and North-West of No. 23 Maydown Road, Derry, BT47 6UJ.

7 Page 131

The SPO presented the above application, details of which were previously circulated to Members. She reported on the detail of the application and based on material consideration in line with planning policy recommended an approval, subject to conditions as included within the report.

Members received speaking rights from Mr Mark McIvor, agent who outlined reasons to support approval of the application. Members sought points of clarification from the speaker.

The SPO referred to Cllr Dobbins remarks this proposal is IT storage and clean industry and no omissions. Alderman McClintock moved, seconded by Councillor McKinney to support the recommendation to approve planning permission subject the conditions as outlined within the report. The outcome of the vote was unanimous support of the proposal.

The Committee

Resolved that planning application LA11/2019/0431/O be approved, subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

Mr McIvor left the meeting at this stage.

Councillor Jackson returned to the meeting and resumed his position as Chair of the Meeting.

The meeting was adjourned for 10 minutes to allow Members a comfort break in line with Planning protocol.

Councillor Gallagher and Councillor J Barr declared an interest in the following application and left the meeting.

LA11/2019/0685/F – Removal of existing modular changing accommodation. Proposed new covered seated stand and standing terrace, changing accommodation and toilets. Two new spectator entrance booths and turnstiles. Proposed associated external works include a stone clad wall with perforated screen on top of the stand area, 2.4m high perimeter paladin fencing and 46

8 Page 132 space car parking. 120m north east of house no’s: 133-149 Ballycolman Estate, Strabane.

The SPO presented the above application, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. He provided an overview of the background to the application and recommended an approval, subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

The SPO in response to queries from Councillor Dobbins, clarified that initially DfI Roads had concerns regarding traffic issues, however following the submission of amended plans to include visibility splays and measures to control car parking, they were content with the application. He further clarified that the site was within the protected flood-plain and therefore should be no flooding concerns associated with the application. He also clarified that the necessary disability access requirements were identified within the plans submitted by the applicant.

Councillor Kelly stated that the application represented the final stage of the development scheme for the whole Melvin complex and the proposal was an elegant design. He proposed approval of the application and Councillor McGuire seconded the proposal.

The outcome of the vote was;

For, 10 Against 0, Abstention 2

The proposal was agreed and the Committee

Resolved that planning application LA11/2019/0685/F be approved planning permission, subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

Councillor Gallagher and Councillor J Barr returned to the meeting.

9 Page 133 Councillor Harkin declared an interest in the following application and left the meeting.

LA11/2019/0595/F – New playpark complete with railings, fence enclosure, gates, play equipment and safety surfacing, seats, bins, cycle stands, new footpaths, ungraded vehicular maintenance access provision, tree and shrub planting, service relocations, grass works and park signage. Lands adjacent to immediately to the east of Little Acorns Pre-School, 3 Benview Road, Derry.

The SPO presented the above application, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. He provided an overview of the application detail and based on material consideration in line with planning policy recommended an approval, subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

Councillor Mellon welcomed the application for playpark provision for the residents from Coshquin in particular. However, she expressed concern in relation to the carparking provision at the facility and the safety aspect for users as it was a busy location with traffic.

The SPO in response to Councillor Mellon, clarified that there was an existing carpark facility primarily to serve the residents from Coshquin and the proposal included new footpaths for pedestrians.

Councillor Kelly also expressed concern that the carparking provision was located at the opposite side of a busy road to the playpark facility. He also referred to the electricity pylon located close to the facility and sought assurances that access prevention measures would be in place at this location.

The SPO assured Councillor Kelly that an adequate fence was erected on site to prevent public access to the area.

Councillor J Boyle welcomed the proposal and alluded to residents campaigning for the play park facility over a long period of time. He proposed that the Committee accepted the SPO’s recommendation to approve planning permission. Councillor Kelly seconded the proposal.

10 Page 134 The outcome of the vote was unanimous support of the recommendation and the proposal was carried.

The Committee

Resolved that planning application LA11/2019/0595/F be approved, subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

Councillor Harkin returned to the meeting.

LA11/2020/0135/F – Provision of accessible amenity space including timber edge planter and tree, 1 No. seat, litter bin, entrance sign, wishing-well feature and associated landscaping. Lands south east of Ballynameen Bridge, Claudy, Co. Derry.

The Principal Planning Officer (PPO) presented the above application, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. She provided an overview of the background to the application and based on material consideration and in line with planning policy recommended an approval, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.

Councillor Kelly proposed the recommendation to approve the application, seconded by Alderman Bresland. The outcome of the vote was unanimous support of the proposal.

The Committee

Resolved that planning application LA11/2020/0135/F be approved planning permission subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

11 Page 135 LA11/2020/0136/F – Removal of existing benches, bin and bus shelter and replacement with new hardwood seat, timber planters, bin and hardwood bus shelter with built in bench. Lands at the junction of Learmount Road and Altinure Road, Park, Co. Derry.

The PPO presented the above application, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. She provided an overview of the background to the application and based on material consideration and in line with planning policy recommended an approval, subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

Councillor Kelly proposed that the PPO’s recommendation to approve planning permission be accepted. Councillor Dobbins seconded the proposal. The outcome of the vote by Members was unanimous support of the proposal.

The Committee

Resolved that planning application LA11/2020/0136/F be approved, subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

LA11/2020/0159/F – Erection of an 8m high ballstop fence between the existing grass pitch and juxtaposed car park. The proposed development is located within the grounds of Newbuildings Community and Environmental Association, 4 Duncastle Road, Newbuildings.

The PPO presented the above application, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. She provided an overview of the background to the application and based on material consideration and in line with planning policy recommended an approval, subject to conditions as included within report.

Alderman McClintock proposed, seconded by Councillor Kelly to accept the recommendation to approve the application. The outcome of the vote was unanimous support of the proposal.

12 Page 136 The Committee

Resolved that planning application LA11/2020/0159/F be approved planning permission, subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

The Chair declared an interest in the following application and left the meeting. The Deputy Chair proceeded to chair the meeting.

LA11/2020/0071/A – Community centre signage. PPC metal lettering directly fixed to building or fencing around building. 82m south west of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 10 Trench Road, Derry, BT47 3UB.

The SPO presented the above application, details of which had been previously circulated to Members. He provided an overview of the background to the application and based on material consideration and in line with planning policy recommended an approval, subject to the conditions as included within the report.

Alderman McClintock proposed, seconded by Councillor McKinney to support approval of the application. The outcome of the vote was unanimous support of the proposal.

The Committee

Resolved that planning application LA11/2020/0071/A be approved, subject to the conditions as outlined within the report.

The Chair returned to the meeting.

P65/20 Transboundary consultation from DfI regarding planning application LA11/2020/0255/TBA for removal of 25 existing wind turbines and replacement with up to 13 wind turbines at Barnesmore, Co. Donegal

The PPO presented the above report, a copy of which was previously circulated to Members. The purpose of the report was to advise

13 Page 137 Members of receipt of a consultation from DfI Planning dated 22 May 2020 in relation to the above.

Councillor McGuire queried any mitigation measures to alleviate television/radio/mobile/broadband signal interference due to the proposed relocation of the replacement turbines.

The PPO agreed to include Councillor McGuire’s concerns within the DfI consultation response submission.

She further clarified for Councillor Dobbins that DfI had consulted with the Environmental Health Department regarding consideration of natural heritage impact. She further advised that Planning Policy regulations in relation to windfarms in Southern Ireland also required consideration of environmental and amenity issues.

The PPO in response to Councillor Kelly, agreed to include request for clarification of the remediation aspect of the scheme within the consultation response to DfI.

The Committee

Recommended that Council note the contents of the paper and advise Officers of comments/issues to be raised in the response to be issued to DfI

Open for Information

P66/20 List of Decisions Issued – March, April and May 2020

The list of decisions issued during the period March – May 2020 were noted by Members for information.

Councillor Kelly queried if all applications during the months listed had been included in the weekly circulation to Members. The Head of Planning advised that she was not aware of any issue with regards to the circulation of the application process and agreed to investigate further and report back to Councillor Kelly with an update.

The Meeting went into confidential business.

14 Page 138 Agenda Item 13

Title of Report: Officer Presenting: Chief Executive Responses to Motions Author: Lead Democratic Services and Improvement Officer

1.0 Purpose of Report/Recommendations

1.1 To advise Members of correspondence received in relation to Motions passed by Council.

2 Correspondence Received

2.0.1 Motion – Support for Front-Line Workers

At a Meeting of Council held on 30 April 2020 the following Motion was passed:

That Council stands in solidarity with all front-line workers, risking their lives to keep us safe and allow society to function. We call for all essential Council front- line workers to receive some sort of remuneration at this time.

Council will write to the office of the FMDFM and the UK Government requesting they release financial support in order to ensure all essential front-line workers across the North receive incentive, hazard pay and that no worker suffer a financial detriment as a result of having to self-isolate or shield due to Covid-19. This includes all workers within the public, private, community and voluntary sectors.

Council gives full support to "Five Minutes of Noise for Workers Rights" at 6pm on Friday 1 May to mark International Workers Day. Council backs the call to hang out red flags and signs supporting essential workers for 24 hours on 1 May. Council agrees the lights in the Guildhall clock and Council buildings will be turned red on May Day.

Council requests employers agree to the unobstructed right of all workers to trade union representation, real living wages, strong terms and conditions and good quality public services. Council agrees to request employers to facilitate workers still at work to meet to discuss the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic for them and their workplace in order to decide what course of action they should take to ensure the safety of themselves and their families.

Page 139 2.0.2 The following responses were received:

Department of Finance (acknowledgement) – (Appendix 1) Director of Local Government and Housing, Department for Communities (Appendix 2)

2.1.1 Proposal – Covid-19

At the Meeting of Council held on 26 March 2020 the following proposal was passed:

Council calls for Westminster to immediately source thousands of Covid- 19 life saving ventilators.

Council calls for Westminster to requisition Randox for the Health Services, in order to provide hundreds of thousands of Covid – 19 test kits. Randox was given £23 million in public funds and is now charging extortionate prices for these kits.Council recognises the need for an increased level of testing and the excessive current cost of testing, and calls on the Department of Health to work collaboratively with Randox to deliver cost effective testing for the North.

Council calls on the Stormont Executive, the Department of Health and all employers providing essential services to provide PPE for all workers.

Council supports the ‘Clap for Carers’ action at 8pm tonight in support of frontline workers and stands in solidarity with all workers taking action to make sure government and Public Health Agency guidelines are immediately implemented in their workplaces.

Council calls for the Stormont Executive and all employers to make sure no workers acting to protect public health – themselves, their families, the broader community and the vulnerable – are punished financially.

2.1.2 The following response was received:

Robin Swann MLA, Minister for Health (Appendix 3).

3.0 Recommendation

3.1 Members are to consider the replies received and advise if any follow up action is required.

Page 140

From: DoF Private Office [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 27 May 2020 09:44 To: Chief Executive Subject: FW: CORR-1761-2020 : Letter in regards to motion passed on 30 April 2020

RESPONSE TO CORRESPONDENCE

I am writing in response to your recent correspondence.

The issue you have raised is the responsibility for the Minister for Communities and we are writing to advise you that your correspondence has been transferred to them. They have confirmed they will reply to you directly.

Yours sincerely

SUZANNE BARCLAY PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE MINISTER OF FINANCE

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From: Anthony Carleton Level 4 Director of Local Government & Housing Causeway Exchange Regulation Division 1-7 Bedford Street Belfast BT2 7EG

Telephone: (028) 90 823346 e-mail : [email protected] Our ref: CORR-1854-2020 Date: 15 June 2020

John Kelpie Chief Executive Derry City & Strabane District Council c/o Council Offices 98 Strand Road Derry BT48 7NN

Via email: [email protected]

Dear John

COUNCIL SUPPORT FOR FRONT LINE WORKERS

The First and deputy First Ministers thank you for your correspondence of 13 May 2020 about your councils support for front line workers. As this is a council issue, Minister Ní Chuilín has asked that I reply on her behalf.

Despite the current Covid-19 pandemic, councils continue to play an essential role in delivering essential services such as waste collection and disposal, community support, and provision of registration and cemetery services. As a result, NI owes a huge debt of gratitude to the key workers who have continued to work at risk to provide essential services and protect people’s safety.

The Executive’s financial support has focussed on supporting public services, businesses, and vulnerable people. This has benefitted key workers, those isolating, and those prevented from work by the measures taken to stop the spread of the Covid- 19 virus.

Page 1 of 2 Page 143 The Minister has made it clear that she will not support actions that do not respect and protect the rights of workers.

Yours sincerely,

ANTHONY CARLETON Director of Local Government & Housing Regulation Division

Page 2 of 2 Page 144 Page 145 Page 146 Page 147 Page 148 Agenda Item 14

Sealing List – June 2020

Documents Sealed 29th May 2020

Conveyance in duplicate:- Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company and Derry City and Strabane District Council relating to North West Multi Hub lands.

Documents Sealed 10th June 2020

Development Agreement and Licence for Works in quadruplicate:- Derry City and Strabane District Council ~and~ Newbuildings Community and Environmental Association ~and~ Newbuildings Cricket Club ~and~ Education Authority relating to Newbuildings Access Improvement, Village Renewal Scheme.

Deed of Variation in quadruplicate:- Education Authority of the first part and Derry City and Strabane District Council of the second part relating to Newbuildings Access Improvement, Village Renewal Scheme.

Documents Sealed 25th June 2020

Grant of Right of Burial in Ballyoan Cemetery

Mr Anzal Akmal Paracha, 2 An Gharran, Long Lane, Letterkenny, County Donegal, F92 F58K. Margaret Graham, 13 Glenbrook Terrace, Derry, BT48 0DY. Mrs Jean Molloy, 8 Richill Park, L’derry, BT47 5QX. Ms Lynda Nickson, 1 Palmerston Park, L’derry, BT47 6LZ. Mr George Crichton, 13 Arden Place, L’derry, BT47 5QF.

Grant of Right of Burial in City Cemetery

Mrs Margaret Lyttle, 127 Elmgrove, Derry, BT48 8QE. Mrs Mary (Betty) Martin, 26 Rosskeen Park, Derry, BT48 0RJ. Mrs Mary Murphy 77 Moyla Drive, Derry, BT48 8EG. Mrs Kathleen Dalzell, Apt 13, 126 Strand Road, Derry, BT48 4 SE. Mr Liam Morrin, 27 Glen Road, Derry, BT48 0LR. Mr Brian McKeever, 57 Marlborough Street, Derry, BT48 9AX. Mrs Kathleen McDevitt, 22 Farren Park, Derry, BT48 7QH. Mr Harry Ward, 111 Carnhill, Derry, BT48 8BQ. Mrs Miranda McFeely-Doherty, 19 Ashlead Manor, Killea, County Donegal.

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