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9th December 2004
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Environment
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Lone Land For Development
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Ciarán Cuffe
ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the
action being undertaken by his Department to ensure that planning
authorities do not zone land for development that is under risk of
flooding. |
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Minister for Environment,
Heritage and Local Government:
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The question of zoning land for
different uses is a matter for each planning authority to address in the context
of its development plan. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 planning
authorities may include in their development plans objectives regulating,
restricting or controlling development in areas at risk of flooding. In
exercising this function planning authorities have the opportunity to ensure
that existing flood risks are mitigated and that new development does not
individually or cumulatively give rise to new flood risks.
Development plan policies dealing with flooding also need to recognise the
uncertainties inherent in the prediction of flooding and the fact that flood
risk is expected to increase as a result of climate change. Development plan
objectives could also include policies indicating that developers will be
required to support the funding of flood defences needed for particular
developments, either partially or fully, depending on the circumstances
involved.
It is my intention to publish shortly, in draft form for public consultation,
Guidelines for Planning Authorities on the preparation of Development Plans. The
issue of development and flooding in determining development plan policies will
be addressed in this context. |
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