FLOODING IN IRELAND AND CONTROL MEASURES

Flooding in Ireland and Control Measures in Recent Years

Abstract

There is an increasing body of knowledge and experience of dealing with flooded buildings, which is incrementally becoming more readily available to both building owners and property professionals. However, some building insurers are still hesitant to insure flood risk in previously-flooded or high risk buildings. This leads to uncertainty in valuing or managing properties at risk from flooding. A survey of surveyors, and a case study of a flooding incident in Rossett, North Wales were undertaken in 2001. The case study indicates that responses to flood events were often varied and uncoordinated, though with some areas of effective action and good practice, and demonstrates the particular components of buildings most prone to damage during a flood. It also shows the most common difficulties experienced in managing a flood event and its aftermath, and highlights the need for a more coordinated approach to the problem. The paper concludes by reviewing some of the more accessible information available to property owners, managers and professionals on flood protection and flood reinstatement.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Chapter 1: Introduction6

Overview6

Aims and Objectives of the Study9

Hypothesis10

Structure of the Parper10

Chapter 2: Research Method11

Introduction11

Aims and Objectives11

Case Study Research Design12

Qualitative Research13

Research Method14

Literature Selection Criteria14

Search Technique14

Keywords Used14

Chapter 3: Climate Change and Its Impact15

Introduction15

Aims and Objectives15

Impact of Climate Change16

Chapter 4: Methods for Stopping Floods: Traditional vs New Methods20

Introduction20

Aims and Objectives20

Causes of Flooding20

Impacts of Flooding23

Flood Risk26

Probability of Flooding28

Flood risk assessment28

Flood Zones30

Flood Risk Management31

Sustainable Drainage System32

Chapter 5: Case Study34

Introduction34

Aims and Objectives34

Clonmel's Flooding Event35

Cork's Flooding Event36

Coordination in Development Plans37

Flood Risk and Development Plan37

Integrating Flood Management Plan in Development Project38

Getting the Draft Plan Right38

Incorporating flooding into the development plan strategy39

Policies relating to flooding39

Objectives for flood risk management40

What to do with existing undeveloped, zoned areas at risk of flooding42

Chapter 6: Conclusions44

Introduction44

Aims and Objectives44

Recommendations44

Limitations47

References50

Chapter 1: Introduction

Overview

At present, there is no specific legislation with regard to flood emergency management in Ireland. In general, emergency management in Ireland is primarily guided by government policy and is implicit in the Principal Response Agencies existing roles. Emergency services in responding to flooding and other emergencies operate under a variety of legislative powers. The Inter-Departmental Committee on Major Emergencies (IDC) was created by Government decision in 1984 to review the response of the relevant organisations to major emergencies. The IDC has now been replaced by a National Steering Group. The A Framework for Major Emergency Management was published in September 2006. This Framework forms the basis for major emergency management in Ireland.

The OPW is responsible for the maintenance of schemes completed under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act and flood defence schemes completed under the 1995 (Amendment) Act. Post the Report of the Flood Policy Review Group Report the OPW in addition to their role in Flood Relief Schemes also have responsibility for National Flood Policy .The Planning and Development Act, 2000 provides that local authorities, through their Development Plans, can regulate development in areas at risk of flooding. As part of its general remit for marine matters, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries ...