Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 April 2016
765. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of the rezoning of the Old Bray Golf Club lands for high density development given that it is a flood plain; if these lands are under the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6410/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised by the Deputy is one for the local authority in question, which is Wicklow County Council, while queries relating to the National Asset Management Agency are a matter for that organisation and the Department of Finance. In addition, local authorities are required to adhere to ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management' (2009) Planning Guidelines issued by my Department under Section 28 of the Planning & Development Act 2000. These Guidelines provide a rigorous approach to flood risk assessment as an essential step in drawing up development plans and plans are generally now accompanied by a flood risk assessment for the geographical area of the plan. Under the 2009 Guidelines, developments vulnerable to flood risk, such as new housing, and other residential uses, are not generally permissible in areas known or predicted to be at risk of flooding.
As a statutory consultee for such proposed local area plans my Department examines all draft plans for compliance with Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines, including the Flood Risk Management Guidelines.
My Department understands that a local area plan is to be drawn up for the area in question by Wicklow County Council under provisions outlined in the Draft Development Plan 2016-2022 , taking account of flood protection works and the advice of the Office of Public Works. It would , therefore , be premature to make any further comment until such time as my Department has had the opportunity to examine a future local area plan.
