Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2004
98 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action being undertaken by his Department to ensure that planning authorities do not zone land for development that is under risk of flooding. [32801/04]
View answerThe question of zoning land for different uses is a matter for each planning authority to address in the context of its development plan. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities may include in their development plans objectives regulating, restricting or controlling development in areas at risk of flooding. In exercising this function, planning authorities have the opportunity to ensure that existing flood risks are mitigated and that new development does not individually or cumulatively give rise to new flood risks.
Development plan policies dealing with flooding also need to recognise the uncertainties inherent in the prediction of flooding and the fact that flood risk is expected to increase as a result of climate change. Development plan objectives could also include policies indicating that developers will be required to support the funding of flood defences needed for particular developments, either partially or fully, depending on the circumstances involved.
It is my intention to publish guidelines for planning authorities on the preparation of development plans. The issue of development and flooding in determining development plan policies will be addressed in this context.
