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

40• these guidelines, and in particular the outcome of the Justification Test;• the particular issues and characteristics of the site and merits of theproposal; and• where flood risk is an issue and the proposal meets all the criteria ofthe Justification Test and any major mitigation works have beenincorporated into the development proposal as submitted, conditionsmay still be necessary to deal with issues relating to the residual risks.Planning GuidelinesPhoto 7: Mallow during flooding event in 2007(courtesy of Gaelic Helicopters Ltd.)Flood risk assessment and EIS5.16 Development exceeding the specified thresholds for EIA will require thepreparation of an EIS. Development below this threshold may also requirethe preparation of an EIS, should the proposal give rise to any likely significantenvironmental effects. The need for an EIS should be determined by theplanning authority in consultation with the applicant.5.17 It is important to note that flood risk may constitute a significant environmentaleffect of a development proposal. Indeed, flood risk alone may trigger a belowthresholdEIS. Flood risk assessment should be an integral part of any EIA.Appropriate assessment must also be factored in for developments thatpotentially affects a site designated under Natura 2000.5.18 Important aspects of the process include:• Screening for flood issues at the initial stage;• Scoping of the flood issue;