Sir, – As I write this, Storm Ciarán is on it’s way and threatening yet more wind and deluges upon southern and southeastern counties. Serious flooding has occurred countrywide wreaking havoc on homes and businesses. Many of these locations await the implementation of flood defence works.
It is notable that two notorious places prone to flooding, Bray and Clonmel, no longer flood due to successful flood defence works.
The flood defence schemes on behalf of the State are subject to planning and environmental legislation at domestic and EU level. Many schemes are in the clogged planning pipeline due to third-party objections and judicial review.
In the meantime, villages, towns and cities are being submerged in freshwater, seawater and foul water.
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Section 181 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) empowers the relevant minister or local authority to declare a certain development to be exempt from the normal planning process in the interest of public health and safety, state revenue and state security.
These powers have been used. A particular example, beside where I live, is a 7.5 hectare customs facility in Rosslare harbour. It was an emergency response to the implications of Brexit on Rosslare Europort. The minister for finance signed an order under Section 181, authorising a substantial facility. No planning process, no public consultation.
In the context of the current flooding crises, flood defence relief works should now be classed as emergency infrastructure. We can no longer endure torturous legal processes whilst citizens and businesses are being engulfed. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. – Yours, etc,
LARRY DUNNE,
Rosslare Harbour,
Co Wexford.