Menu
06/09/2022
O'Dowd Calls For End Of 'Inappropriate Developments' In Flood Risk Areas
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has called for an end to "inappropriate new developments" in areas known to be at risk of flooding, urging stakeholders to work together to help combat the impacts of climate change.
Minister O'Dowd said that he believes that collaborative working is key to future proof future developments by adopting a precautionary approach to development and the use of land that takes full account of the latest information on flood risk. This is to help ensure that building is not in locations at risk of future flooding.
The Minister said: "The extreme weather events being experienced here and around the world are a stark wake up call to the climate crisis and the urgency of acting now to protect the public and the environment. Climate change has increased the risk of flooding in the North. More frequent and extreme weather events are to be expected. I believe, therefore, that it is vital that we redouble our efforts to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding.
"The most effective method of managing flood risk for the public is to prevent development in unsuitable locations in the first place and our planning system has an important role to play in this regard. Indeed the Department's Regional Development Strategy 2035 (RDS) and the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) provide key guiding principles for sustainable development and both recognise the need to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Both the SPPS and Revised Planning Policy Statement 15 provides that, in all but the most exceptional circumstances, new development is not located within the flood plains of rivers or the sea where it may be at risk, or increase the risk of flooding in the locality.
"The planning system, therefore, has a key role to play in preventing or restricting development in such flood prone areas informed by the expert advice of statutory consultees. When consulted, my Department will continue to provide advice and information in order to assist planning authorities in their responsibilities for plan making and decision taking. As planning authorities now bring forward new local development plans for their areas for the next 15 years, this Department will continue to provide advice on drainage and flood risk aspects to assist councils in their plan preparation and to ensure that going forward, development continues to be supported in the right locations in the context of sustainable development and the increasing impacts of climate change which we will face."
Minister O'Dowd said that he believes that collaborative working is key to future proof future developments by adopting a precautionary approach to development and the use of land that takes full account of the latest information on flood risk. This is to help ensure that building is not in locations at risk of future flooding.
The Minister said: "The extreme weather events being experienced here and around the world are a stark wake up call to the climate crisis and the urgency of acting now to protect the public and the environment. Climate change has increased the risk of flooding in the North. More frequent and extreme weather events are to be expected. I believe, therefore, that it is vital that we redouble our efforts to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding.
"The most effective method of managing flood risk for the public is to prevent development in unsuitable locations in the first place and our planning system has an important role to play in this regard. Indeed the Department's Regional Development Strategy 2035 (RDS) and the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) provide key guiding principles for sustainable development and both recognise the need to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Both the SPPS and Revised Planning Policy Statement 15 provides that, in all but the most exceptional circumstances, new development is not located within the flood plains of rivers or the sea where it may be at risk, or increase the risk of flooding in the locality.
"The planning system, therefore, has a key role to play in preventing or restricting development in such flood prone areas informed by the expert advice of statutory consultees. When consulted, my Department will continue to provide advice and information in order to assist planning authorities in their responsibilities for plan making and decision taking. As planning authorities now bring forward new local development plans for their areas for the next 15 years, this Department will continue to provide advice on drainage and flood risk aspects to assist councils in their plan preparation and to ensure that going forward, development continues to be supported in the right locations in the context of sustainable development and the increasing impacts of climate change which we will face."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 September 2024
O'Dowd Welcomes Progress Of Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the progress in the ongoing development of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme, which aims to provide a long-term approach to tidal flood risk management for the city and help protect against the flood risk dangers presented by climate change.
O'Dowd Welcomes Progress Of Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the progress in the ongoing development of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme, which aims to provide a long-term approach to tidal flood risk management for the city and help protect against the flood risk dangers presented by climate change.
23 September 2014
DOE Announces New Flood Measures
The Department of the Environment has announced new measures to tackle the problem of flooding in future. The initiatives, agreed by the Executive Committee, are outlined in the Revised Planning Policy Statement 15 'Planning and Flood Risk'.
DOE Announces New Flood Measures
The Department of the Environment has announced new measures to tackle the problem of flooding in future. The initiatives, agreed by the Executive Committee, are outlined in the Revised Planning Policy Statement 15 'Planning and Flood Risk'.
10 January 2022
Flood Risk Study For Omagh Town
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced a flood risk study for Omagh Town to determine if there are any viable options to reduce flood risk in the area. Minister Mallon said: "I am pleased to announce that my Department is currently engaging with our partner consultant to re-visit the most recent flood study for Omagh Town.
Flood Risk Study For Omagh Town
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced a flood risk study for Omagh Town to determine if there are any viable options to reduce flood risk in the area. Minister Mallon said: "I am pleased to announce that my Department is currently engaging with our partner consultant to re-visit the most recent flood study for Omagh Town.
08 September 2021
Lagan Construction Appointed For Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme
The contract for a major flood alleviation scheme for Belfast has been awarded to Lagan Construction, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced. The £17 million Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme involves the detailed design and construction of over five miles (approximately 8.
Lagan Construction Appointed For Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme
The contract for a major flood alleviation scheme for Belfast has been awarded to Lagan Construction, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced. The £17 million Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme involves the detailed design and construction of over five miles (approximately 8.
10 June 2021
£19m Flood Alleviation Fund Announced
A £19 million fund has been announced for flood protection projects across Northern Ireland by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
£19m Flood Alleviation Fund Announced
A £19 million fund has been announced for flood protection projects across Northern Ireland by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
