The Planning System and Flood Risk Management - Offaly County ...

Chapter 1:Background and Objectives1The Issue1.1 Flooding is a natural process that can happen at any time in a wide varietyof locations. Flooding from the sea and from rivers is probably best knownbut prolonged and intense rainfall can also cause sewer flooding, overlandflow and groundwater flooding. When it impacts on human activities, it canthreaten people, their property and the environment. Assets at risk can includehousing, transport and public service infrastructure, and commercial, industrialand agricultural enterprises. The health, social, economic and environmentalimpacts of flooding can be significant and have a wide community impact.1.2 The frequency, pattern and severity of flooding are expected to increase floodrisk as a result of climate change. Development can also exacerbate theproblems of flooding by accelerating and increasing surface water runoff,altering watercourses and removing floodplain storage.1.3 During a period of sustained population and economic growth, when as manyas 1 million new homes may be required over the next 20 years, it is clearlyimportant that a reduction in these potential future flood risks be achievedby integrating the assessment of flood risk into the planning process.Purpose of the Guidelines1.4 These guidelines describe good practice in the consideration of flood risk inplanning and development management. Planning authorities (both electedmembers and officials) should avail of these guidelines in the assessment andmanagement of flood risk and its consideration in preparing developmentplans and local area plans. They will also be of assistance to regional authoritiesin preparing Regional Planning Guidelines and to developers and the widerpublic in considering flood risk in relation to development and planning.They should also be used in determining applications for planning permission.Status of Guidelines1.5 The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government issuedguidance on flooding in Appendix E to the Development Plan Guidelinesin 2007, as an interim measure pending preparation of these guidelines.Appendix E is superseded by these guidelines, which are one of a series ofguidelines aimed at assisting regional and planning authorities in the exerciseof their function. The Minister of the Environment, Heritage and LocalGovernment intends to issue the finalised guidelines (i.e. after the publicconsultation period) under Section 28(1) of the Planning and DevelopmentAct 2000, which requires planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to havePlanning Guidelines