Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023
256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which adequate provision is being made to protect the quality of Irish food-producing lands and farms, notwithstanding recent flooding, with particular reference to less reliance on flood plains and more emphasis on drainage to ensure agriculturally productive lands are protected from waterlogging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47245/23]
View answerMy Department recognises the impact that climate change is causing to the everyday activities of farmers in Ireland. Adaptation to climate change is a priority for my Department and key actions are set out in the Agriculture, Forest and Seafood Sectoral Adaptation Plan published in September 2019. This Adaptation Plan is about preparing our systems to deal with the inevitable changes in climate.
One of our Statement of Strategy objectives within DAFM is to promote measures to support farmers viability and resilience. Under Goal 3, the statement commits to developing a policy framework to improve viability and resilience, within the Agricultural Sector, with the aim of putting climate adaptation at the centre of resilience planning.
Externally DAFM is represented at the National Adaption Steering Committee, led by the Department of Environment, which is currently drafting the National Adaptation Framework and will have implications on the sector specific Adaptation Plans. DAFM also continues to liaise with the Climate Action Advisory Council to ensure there is annual progression in terms of adaptation policy within the Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood Sectors
The Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995 provide the Office of Public Works with powers for drainage and improvement of agricultural land and the undertaking of localised flood defence schemes to reduce flood risk in urban areas. The Arterial Drainage Acts and SI 122 of 2010 Regulations also introduced OPW consent requirements for the creation and modification of watercourses, embankments, weirs and bridges.
