Strategic Flood Risk Assessment for the Draft Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028
1.4 Flood Risk Management Policy 1.4.1 EU Floods Directive
The European Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risk aims to reduce and manage the risks that floods pose to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity. The Directive applies to inland waters as well as all coastal waters across the whole territory of the EU. The Directive requires Member States to: Carry out a preliminary assessment by 2011 in order to identify the river basins and associated coastal areas where potential significant flood risk exists (preliminary mapping was prepared and a list of Areas for Further Assessment finalised in 2012). Prepare flood extent maps for the identified areas (finalised in 2016 for inclusion in Flood Risk Management Plans – see below). Prepare flood risk management plans focused on prevention, protection and preparedness. These plans are to include measures to reduce the probability of flooding and its potential consequences. These Plans were adopted in 2018. Implementation of the EU Floods Directive is required to be coordinated with the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive and the current National River Basin Management Plan. 1.4.2 National Flood Policy Historically, flood risk management focused on land drainage for the benefit of agricultural improvement. With increasing urbanisation, the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, was amended in 1995 to permit the Office of Public Works (OPW) to implement localised flood relief schemes to provide flood protection for cities, towns and villages. In line with changing national and international paradigms on how to manage flood risk most effectively and efficiently, a review of national flood policy was undertaken in 2003-2004. The review was undertaken by an Inter-Departmental Review Group, led by the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the OPW. The Review Group prepared a report that was put to Government, and subsequently approved and published in September 2004 (Report of the Flood Policy Review Group, OPW, 2004). The scope of the review included a review of the roles and responsibilities of the different bodies with responsibilities for managing flood risk, and to set a new policy for flood risk management in Ireland into the future. The adopted policy was accompanied by many specific recommendations, including: Focus on managing flood risk, rather than relying only flood protection measures aimed at reducing flooding; Taking a catchment-based approach to assess and manage risks within the whole-catchment context; and Being proactive in assessing and managing flood risks, including the preparation of flood maps and flood risk management plans. 1.4.3 National CFRAM Programme The national Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme commenced in Ireland in 2011. The CFRAM Programme is intended to deliver on core components of the National Flood Policy, adopted in 2004, and on the requirements of the EU Floods Directive. The Programme is being implemented through CFRAM studies that have been undertaken for each of the river basin districts in Ireland.
CAAS for Cork City Council
2
Powered by FlippingBook