Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
319. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a flood risk assessment is necessary to be carried out in respect of development projects funded by his Department under Rebuilding Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6319/22]
View answerAt the outset it is important to clarify that the requirement for a flood risk assessment is a matter for the sponsoring agency, the developer and the planning authority rather than the funding (or approving) authority.
More generally, however, in terms of flood risk assessment, the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities were published jointly by my Department and the Office of Public Works (OPW), in November 2009. The Flood Risk Management Guidelines provide for the incorporation of flood risk identification, assessment and management into the planning process. The requirements of these guidelines apply not only to the implications of river/rainstorm flooding, but also to coastal flooding, mainly as result of high tides and storm surge effects. These Ministerial Guidelines were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are required to have regard to the Guidelines in carrying out their functions under the Planning Acts.
