Vol. 528 No. 1
52 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will issue new planning guidelines to local authorities regarding development in flood plains or areas prone to flooding having regard to the recent severe flooding problems experienced in a number of areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29434/00]
The Planning and Development Act, 2000, specifically empowers planning authorities to provide in their local development plans that development in areas at risk of flooding may be regulated, restricted or controlled. If development is proposed in a flood risk area, the risk of flooding can be carefully evaluated and planning permission refused, if necessary. The provisions on development plans in the Planning Act will come into force on 1 January 2001. The importance of these provisions in relation to flooding, particularly in light of recent events, will be brought to the attention of planning authorities in guidance notes to be issued shortly on the provisions of the Act.
