Registration - Register to complete the online questionnaire. Note: you may also download the questionnaire and return it by email, but we would prefer you to use the online version if you are able. Public and professionals urged to describe the issues that could arise and are encouraged to provide input to what should be considered in the formulation of a new policy on flood risk issues in planning and development management. Flooding causes significant damage to properties and infrastructure in Ireland each year. The frequency and severity of flooding is expected to increase with the predicted effects of climate change, and can also increase as a result of inappropriate development. Effective planning and development management has been recognised across Europe to play a major role in the long-term management of flood risk. Spatial planning within Development Plans can provide for the pro-active management of risk and the achievement of sustainability and adaptability objectives.
There is, at present, limited guidance available for planners on the consideration of flood risk in planning and development management decision-making. To address this issue, the Office of Public Works(OPW) in partnership with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources have initiated a project to develop a detailed guidance document to assist planners in their role, and also to assist developers and other stakeholders in making appropriate applications for planning permission.
Tony Smyth, Director of Engineering Services in the OPW said “The major review of flood policy we published in 2004 identified the need for clear but pragmatic policy guidance on planning and development management as an essential part of our work in managing flood risk, to complement the ongoing investment in protection schemes and flood warning. We have appointed JBA Consulting and Loci to assist in the preparation of this guidance. In conjunction with the investment in Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plans this is a critical step forward in tackling flood risk in Ireland”.
The objective of the project is to produce guidance that can be easily used by planners in Local Authorities, developers and other relevant stakeholders and to set out how to consider flood risk in the planning and development management process to ensure that future development in Ireland is appropriate and sustainable, and to support the continued improvement in flood risk management and other environmental objectives.
Before the framework of this policy can be devised a thorough understanding of the pressures, opportunities and constraints in the planning processes with respect to flood risk and its management is required. Those with an interest or knowledge of these sectors are encouraged to partake in this pre-consultation exercise. Your views are important and will set the landscape upon which a policy envelope will be draped.
Consultation is an underlying theme of the way the policy document will be developed as it will have an effect nationally, regionally and locally. It is envisaged that key stakeholders will be kept informed directly, and we will work with a number of local authorities on a case study basis.
This website contains the pre-consultation material, which is designed to capture YOUR views online. There are some open questions to prompt comments on broad issues, followed by 12 questions that ask for your dis/agreement and comments on a range of more specific development and flood risk issues.
It is also possible to download the consultation form and email it back, or to simply write to us with your general views. Our preferences for reasons of efficiency and to facilitate assessment of submissions is for you to use the online facilities. The form should take about an hour to complete in full. The website will also register your details and this may be used to email you further updates or discussion points in the future. The cut off for submissions is 29th June 2007; however, submissions made after this date might still be used in the later stages of the process.
Contribution via the website pre-consultation questionnaire is not attributable but may be reproduced in reports. Options are available to alter this position when you complete the web form.
With your contribution we can ensure we get the balance right in the policy guidance between sustaining economic growth and enhancing a valuable environmental resource for future generations. REGISTER AND LOGIN NOW.
Address for email correspondence is: planningconsultation@opw.ie
The address for postal correspondence is:
Rónán Ó Dúnáin Office of Public Works 17-19 Lower Hatch Street Dublin 2
Questionnaire and website development by JBA Consulting.