Written answers

Wednesday, 14 October 2009

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Flood Relief

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to prevent flooding with particular reference to the need for ongoing drainage relating to the water table; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36336/09]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management are aimed at ensuring a more consistent, rigorous and systematic approach to flood risk identification, assessment and management within the planning system. The draft guidelines provide that:

development in areas at risk of flooding, particularly flood plains, should be avoided unless there are wider sustainability grounds that justify appropriate development and where the risk can be reduced or managed to an acceptable level;

a sequential approach must be adopted to flood risk management when assessing the location of new development based on avoidance, reduction and mitigation of flood risk; and

flood risk assessment must be incorporated into the process of making decisions on planning applications and planning appeals.

Therefore, the draft guidelines provide the basis for planning authorities to identify, assess and take appropriate steps to manage flood risk in a sustainable manner. The draft guidelines are being finalised by my Department, in conjunction with the OPW, having regard to the submissions received on foot of a public consultation process, and I expect to issue finalised statutory guidance very shortly.

In addition, where my Department provides funding for local authority sewerage schemes in urban areas, these schemes may, on occasion, provide limited measures to prevent flooding where inadequate collection networks exist. These schemes may also provide storm water drains and outfalls, to facilitate the separation of foul and surface water, to create additional capacity within existing combined systems.

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