Govt introduces new restrictions on floodplain building
Developers will only be able to build on floodplains on strict conditions under new planning rules published today.
Construction in areas vulnerable to flooding will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances or where the danger can be minimised.
Environment Minister John Gormley said the new rules will ensure all involved in the building sector take into account the potentially devastating risks posed by flooding.
“The guidelines provide for best practice and a sound basis on which planners, developers and their agents, and individuals can ensure flood risk is taken fully into account throughout the planning process and properly managed thereafter,” the minister said.
“To ensure into the future that our built environment takes proper account of the potentially devastating risk posed by flooding to people, property and the environment.”
Under the new guidelines, put out to public consultation last year, planners are urged to ban building on floodplains except in extreme cases where the development can be justified.
Or alternatively where the flood risk can be reduced or managed to an acceptable level without increasing the danger elsewhere.
Planners will also have to take into account flood risk when deciding whether to pass developments.
Mr Gormley said planning authorities, professional bodies and the general public all welcomed the new rules when they were unveiled last year.
Dr Martin Mansergh, junior minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, said the guidelines will ensure development is as safe from flooding as it can be.
“We must above all ensure that we do all that we can to avoid creating new risks, and the guidelines will facilitate the planning authorities in making sure that new development is as safe from flooding as it can be,” he said.
The guidelines are being sent to councils across the country.
