Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2016
277. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if there is a national policy in relation to the granting of planning permission for developments in towns and villages where OPW flood relief schemes have been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31947/16]
View answerThe decision as to whether to grant planning permission in any particular case is a matter for the relevant planning authority in the first instance and for An Bord Pleanála in the event of an appeal.
In making decisions on planning applications, planning authorities and the Board must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan, any submissions or observations received and relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including current guidelines issued by my Department under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
In November 2009, my Department issued Guidelines for 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 identification, assessment and management within the planning system.
These guidelines provide, inter alia, that development in areas at risk of flooding, particularly floodplains, 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. The Guidelines were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are required to have regard to them in the performance of their functions.
Furthermore, the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme is central to the medium- to long-term strategy for the reduction and management of flood risk in Ireland. The Programme delivers on core components of the National Flood Policy, adopted in 2004, and on the requirements of the EU Floods Directive. The Irish CFRAM Programme is being carried out in parallel with similar programmes across the European Union.
In addition to this, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is the lead agency for flood risk management in Ireland and is the national competent authority for the EU Floods Directive. OPW works in close partnership with all Local Authorities in delivering the objectives of the CFRAM Programme.
Implementation of the requirements of the EU Floods Directive is being coordinated with the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive and the current River Basin Management Plans. The Programme is also being undertaken with close cross-border coordination. The main objective of this Programme is to identify areas which are at risk from flooding, to evaluate the level of risk and map the risk assessments.
I am satisfied that the Guidelines, together with the data arising from CFRAM, are being used effectively to measure risk and inform future decisions about the use of lands.
