Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from Mr Barry Davies (Maritime and Country Parks Officer). 

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

No declarations of personal connection were received from any member present.

To consider any items which are urgent matters in the opinion of the Chairman.

There were no urgent matters.

To receive and confirm the minutes of a meeting of the Aberdyfi Harbour Consultative Committee held on the 23 November 2017.

(Copy enclosed)

Submitted:     Minutes of a meeting of the Aberdyfi Harbour Consultative Committee that took place on 23 November 2017.

Resolved:       To accept and approve the minutes as a true record.

4.1 Matters arising from the minutes

In the context of safety signs, reference was made to the fact that the minutes stated that Maritime Service officers had held discussions with "two local members" and Councillor Mike Stevens, Tywyn Local Member, was of the view that this had not occurred.   He was rather annoyed as he had managed to attract sponsors to fund the signs but due to a lack of communication approximately £3,000 had been lost for signage in Tywyn. 

In response, the Senior Manager – Economy and Community explained regarding the scheme and that there had been a delay and he apologised for this.   However, the Maritime Service was cooperating closely with the RNLI because of their expertise in this field.   They had consulted on the scheme and observations had been received, however, there had been some slippage in the time-schedule and they would consult with Gwynedd Council Local Members with the intention of erecting the signs before Whit.   It was hoped to harmonise the types of signs erected along the North coast and within a realistic time-schedule.

A Member added that the Maritime Service had contacted the Chair and Vice-chair of this Consultative Committee.

Councillor Mike Stevens noted that it was important that the wording of the signs was suitable and specific to different locations.

A tribute was paid to the voluntary work undertaken by Josh Cooper, Alice Beetlestone (RNLI) in consultation with the Harbour Master, and it was anticipated that the signs would be very effective.

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.      

To receive and consider a report by the Maritime and Country Parks’ Officer.

(Copy enclosed)

(a)  Before presenting the above report, Alison Kinsey, Coordinator of Cardigan Bay Fisheries Local Action Group, who had requested to attend the meeting, was welcomed and she explained the purpose of FLAG.  The following main points were noted:-

·         That there were four groups operational in Wales for the purpose of supporting the fishing industry and communities: St. Dogmaels to Barmouth, Anglesey and Gwynedd, Swansea Bay and Cleddau to the Coast

·         That FLAG received European funding and approximately £160,000 was available until 2020 and it was trusted that this could be used to assist small community led projects.

·         That a strategy had been created based on local need

·         Priority was given to funding projects that: 

Ø  add value

Ø  create jobs

Ø  attract young people and

Ø  promote innovation at all stages of the supply chain from fisheries products

·         Financial revenue support can be offered towards new projects such as:  

project development, pilot projects, feasibility studies, training, mentoring, facilitating and consultation.

The officer had visited Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee and as a result of that meeting, members were enthusiastic and positive to hold activities on the quay in Barmouth.

She noted that Mr Neil Storkey had been appointed Chair of one of the operational groups, and as part of his office and the fact that a great deal had been learnt from the Aberdyfi Food Festival, this knowledge and experience could be used for the benefit of FLAG communities.   It was trusted that projects / activities could take place on the quay to promote local fishermen especially as this year had been designated the Year of the Sea.  

(b)       The report of the Maritime and Country Parks Officer updating the committee on Harbour management matters was presented, and in the author's absence the Senior Harbours Officer referred with specific reference to the following:-

(i)         Port Marine Safety Code

Stemming from the above, a member noted that he was of the opinion that the Inspectors had not visited the Harbour at a busy time such as in July/August, and therefore they had not seen a complete and accurate picture. 

In response, the following main points were made:

(i)            The Senior Harbours Officer explained that it was not the Maritime Service who had decided on the date and the Inspectors could come at any time and may conduct a second visit. 

(ii)           The Senior Manager – Economy and Community explained the purpose of the visit and noted that the main aim was to inspect the Council's systems and management arrangements, which was quite different to how busy the harbour was.  

(iii)          In terms of the Council's responsibility if an individual tripped and fell over the side of the quay, it was noted that the Council had a statutory responsibility regarding this and it was noted that the code was not statutory and Gwynedd Council was responsible for Harbour Management.   It was added that the Inspectors had considered the Council's management arrangements rather than operational land issues.

(iv)          It was important to note that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To note that the next meeting of the Aberdyfi Harbour Consultative Committee will be held on 2 October 2018.

Although a date had been specified (2 October 2018) for the next meeting, it was asked if it was possible to change the date to the beginning of November.

Resolved:       To request that the Member Support Officer arranges a date in November for the next meeting.