EU Floods Directive and Development Plan Role in Flood Risk Management

The role of development plans in taking account of flood risk management considerations has assumed greater significance in recent years as a result of the implementation of the European Union (EU) Floods Directive in Northern Ireland. The Directive considers a catchment wide approach to flood risk management and promotes sustainability practices, which includes the retention and restoration of natural floodplains as valuable flood storage areas. The Directive addresses the main sources of flooding and promotes a joined up approach amongst organisations that can influence and contribute effectively to flood risk management. The local development plan, as a key land use planning tool for influencing spatial patterns and types of development, therefore has a key role in the implementation of this joined up approach to flood risk management.