Sir, – It would appear that The Irish Times editorial writer (“The problem is elsewhere”, December 19th) is unaware of the impact of climate change on rainfall patterns and the need to respond to these changes through sustainable and nature-based urban planning and design.
It is neither possible nor sustainable to replace the extensive network of sewers that are being overwhelmed by the increased intensity and frequency of rainfall events that are becoming all too familiar.
The accepted international solution is to significantly reduce the area of impermeable surfaces in urban areas and replace these with nature-based landscaped areas that can store and treat urban runoff prior to discharge into the sewer network.
Urban runoff has been identified as a major pollutant, even apart from the harm caused by sewer overflows.
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Climate adaptation, common sense and the need to protect our waterbodies demands a rapid and widespread move to this nature-based approach. – Yours, etc,
ADRIAN CONWAY,
Kilcloon,
Co Meath.