20 November 2002

'LIABLE TO FLOODING' WARNINGS MUST BE INCLUDED ON DEVELOPMENT PLAN MAPS - CLAIM GREENS

The Green Party has urged the Department of the Environment to include 'liable to flooding' warnings  on all County and Regional Development Plan maps following the extensive flooding experienced in Dublin last week.

Green Party Dáil Environment spokesperson, Ciaran Cuffe T.D., said today, "There is no doubt that a lack of sufficient planning has led to serious flood drainage problems throughout the greater Dublin area.  Development plans should take more account of flooding.  A hundred years ago the old maps had 'liable to flooding' warning notices written on them.  At very least, the Dublin City Development Plans should detail this very basic but vital information.  We are now calling on the Minister for the Environment to ensure that 'liable to flooding' notices are included on all development maps."

Mr. Cuffe said that there were three main issues associated with flooding - bad planning, corrupt planning and climate change.    "Climate change means that flood problems are due to get worse.  Ireland is likely to experience more extreme rainfall conditions in the future and that will only exacerbate matters. It is vital that we plan ahead."

ENDS