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

142.30 Increases in rainfall intensity will also have a significant effect on local flooding,particularly in urban areas with lower permeability due to the natural groundbeing covered by roads, hard standings and buildings. Localised urban andsewer flooding similar to the June 1963 floods in south Dublin can thereforebe expected to increase significantly. The wet Summers of 2007 and 2008provided an important reminder of the potential extent of flood impacts as aresult of intense rainfall events within an urban environment.Planning Guidelines2.31 Specific advice on the expected impacts of climate change and on appropriateallowances for sea-level rises, increased river flood flows etc., in relation toflood risk management, are provided on the OPW website (http://www.opw.ie).To take account of climate change, new development for uses vulnerable tothe effect of flooding needs to be located whenever possible, away from highriskareas vulnerable to flood events.2.32 The development planning process can be used in Ireland to plan and designfor climate change. It is critical that the likely effects of climate change aretaken into account in flood risk assessment. Because there remains a greatdeal of uncertainty, a precautionary approach should be adopted. It is importantthat:• The levels of structures designed to protect against flooding, such asflood defences, land-raising or raised floor levels are sufficient to copewith the effects of climate change over the lifetime of the developmentthey are designed to protect, or• Structures to protect against flooding and the development protectedshould be capable of adaptation to the effects of climate change whenthere is more certainty about the effects and still time for such adaptationto be effective.Flood risk management2.33 Flood risk management aims to minimise the risks arising from flooding topeople, property and the environment. This can be achieved through structuralmeasures that block or restrict the pathways of floodwaters, such as river orcoastal defences, or non-structural measures that are often aimed at reducingthe vulnerability of people and communities, such as flood warning, effectiveflood emergency response, or resilience measures (e.g. public preparednessfor flood events - see http://www.flooding.ie) for communities or individualproperties.2.34 Catchment-based Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) are currently beingdeveloped by OPW in partnership with local authorities, the EPA, theDepartment of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and other relevant Departments,in accordance with national flood policy and the EU ‘Floods’ Directive referredto earlier, and these will provide the focal point and strategic direction forflood risk management in Ireland. These Plans, which will be co-ordinated