James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) play a critical role in the management of urban water run-off, protecting surface water quality and controlling the volume of water entering urban drainage networks and water bodies during heavy rainfall. This is particularly important given changing weather and rainfall patterns driven by climate change. SUDs also play a key role in place making with a growing recognition of the importance of blue and green infrastructure and biodiversity in urban areas.

My Department has published a number of guidance documents to promote the use of nature-based solutions in the public realm. These include:

• A guidance document titled “Nature Based Solutions to the Management of Rainwater and Surface Water Runoff in Urban Areas” (Nov 2021). This guidance document promotes the use of nature-based solutions in public realm, open spaces, amenity areas and car parks;
• A national strategy titled “Nature Based Management of Urban Rainwater & Urban Surface Water” (May 2024). This document proposes 8 strategies for the use of nature based solutions addressing Climate Adaptation, Planning, Uisce Éireann, Roads, Streets & Transportation, Funding and Capital Appraisal, Education & Training, Community Engagement & Communications and Public Health and Wellbeing; and
• A guidance document titled “Rainwater Management Plans Guidance for Local Authorities” (May 2024). This document follows water across the development landscape and proposes the integration of water sensitive urban design concepts.

My Department, with the Department of Transport and the Local Authority Waters Programme also published a DMURS technical advice note in 2023 providing technical advice local authorities and government agencies on the implementation of SUDS within public and common areas of residential development (and in urban areas more generally).

From a statutory planning perspective, it is an objective of the National Planning Framework (NPF) through National Policy Objective (NPO) 57 to enhance water quality and resource management by integrating sustainable water management solutions such as Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS), including non-porous surfacing and green roofs. The NPF is a high level strategy that sets the policy context for Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and County and City Development Plans.

Policy and guidance in the statutory planning system relating to new residential development is set out in the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The Guidelines state that in the preparation of local plans, local authorities should promote urban greening and Nature Based Solutions (including SUDS and slow-the-flow initiatives) for the management of urban drainage in all new developments and in the retrofitting of existing areas to ensure that the benefits of ecosystem services are realised. The Guidelines also recommend that Surface Water Management Plans (including Nature Based Solutions) be prepared in support of planning applications for 30 or more residential units, 3000 sq.m of mixed-use development and/or where public realm improvements are proposed (i.e. via Part 8). Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) provides that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála shall have regard to Ministerial Guidelines and shall comply with any specific planning policy requirements contained therein, in the performance of their functions.