Green Party Castleconnell Limerick representative Trish Forde-Brennan has called for the draft Bill to amend the Planning Acts to be announced as a “matter of priority”, following recent freak flooding in Newcastle West and other areas.

Trish Forde Brennan, Green Party

“While the flash floods of recent weeks could not have been anticipated there is no doubt that we need new planning guidelines specifically dealing with flood prevention. Minister Gormley announced in July his intention to draft such a bill which will put in place a systematic approach to integrated flood risk management into the planning process, building upon its long-standing acknowledgement in legislation as an important planning issue,” Ms Ford-Brennan said in a statement.

“It is becoming a no-brainer that we need to have more detailed wide-ranging planning laws to deal with a changing physical environment and landscape. I urge the public to participate by making their views and suggestions know to Minister Gormley and his department,” she added.

Ms Ford-Brenna said that “being a Green” she was “delighted” to learn that the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy is being fast-tracked and will now be published in early 2010.

“This is relevant to our concerns about future flooding as it will set out responses to the type of weather patterns that will become more frequent as a result of climate change including flash flooding and coastal erosion,” she said.

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