Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 392: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans regarding establishing a comprehensive investigation into the various planning practices from 1999 to the present date, rezoning of lands that were promoted by city management, the potential deficiencies of various development plans during this period of time and the lack of regard to take into account the history of flooding in certain applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34452/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The First Schedule of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) specifies, inter alia , that planning authorities may include in their development plans objectives for carrying out flood risk assessment for the purpose of regulating, restricting and controlling development in areas at risk of flooding (whether inland or coastal). It is a matter for each planning authority to evaluate such risk, on the basis of a flood risk assessment where appropriate and planning permission may either be refused, or, if granted, can be made subject to conditions requiring the implementation of measures necessary to alleviate or avoid damage due to flooding.

The Report of the Flood Policy Review Group, published in 2004 following Government approval of its recommendations, including that the OPW should be the lead agency for implementing flood risk management policy in Ireland, highlighted the need to pro-actively manage flood risk.

A further key action arising from the Report of the Flood Policy Review Group is the publication in November 2009 of my Department's Guidelines to Planning Authorities on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management, which are aimed at ensuring a more consistent, rigorous and systematic approach to flood risk assessment and management in the planning system. The Guidelines were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) which requires planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to have regard to them in the performance of their functions.

As part of my statutory observation role in respect of development plans and local area plans, my Department is monitoring implementation of the Guidelines to ensure they are being implemented effectively. These statutory guidelines, when taken together with the legislative measures in the planning code, provide a sound basis for planning authorities to identify, assess and take appropriate steps to manage flood risk in a sustainable manner within their area. I will continue to assess development and local area plans to monitor implementation of these principles at local level to ensure that future development takes account of these policies.