Spatial Planning Policy

Figure 3.1 illustrates an overview of the Irish Planning System and the importance of policy in the assessment of planning applications. The relevant planning policies are set out for each level within the hierarchy in the sections that follow.

Figure 3.1: Planning Policy Hierarchy (Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, 2018)

3.3.2.1 Relevant National Planning and Development Policy

Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework, published in July 2018, is the primary articulation of spatial, planning and land use policy within Ireland. The NPF Strategy in relation to flood risk requires a cross sectoral approach and the consideration of future flood risk in the area of planning and development management and the planning and design of infrastructure. In particular the core objectives of the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Planning Guidelines DEHLG 2009 are promoted, i.e.:

• avoiding inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding;

• avoiding new developments increasing flood risk elsewhere, including that which may arise from surface run off;

• ensuring effective management of residual risks for development permitted in floodplains;

• avoiding unnecessary restriction of national regional or local economic and social growth; and

• Improving the understanding of flood-risk and ensure flood risk management in accordance with best practice.

The development of the Glenties Flood Relief Scheme needs to ensure it is consistent with the final bullet point in particular. The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) for the National Planning Framework reinforces the key concepts of the precautionary principle and the sequential approach, and the connection with the National Climate Change Adaption Strategy and the EU Water Framework Directive demonstrating the need for an integrated approach between the National Planning Framework and other strategic plans.

The framework recognises the importance of the Northern and Western Region and justifies a particular focus in the Framework. This is due to the lower level of urbanisation compared to other regions, proximity to the border and the risk posed by Brexit.

Specifically, in relation to Donegal, the Framework acknowledges that the region is spatially unique due to its extensive coastline but also the relationship to Northern Ireland. In addition to enhancing the connectivity for the regional area the framework supports the enabling of growth and competitiveness to support the strong links that exist between border region and Northern Ireland.

3.3.2.2 Relevant Regional Planning and Development Policy

The Border Regional Authority Planning Guidelines 2010-2022 were prepared in 2010. These Regional Planning Guidelines are prescriptive in setting out a planning framework for the proper planning and development of the region and ensuring that sustainable communities are provided for in the coming years.

The guidelines provide a long-term planning framework for the region and have been closely aligned with the National Spatial Strategy and National Development Plan in Ireland and the Regional Development Strategy in Northern Ireland.

There are a number of Regional Flood Risk Policies (FRP) contained within the guidelines with the most relevant to the Glenties Flood Relief Scheme being FRP2 and FRP10:

FRP2 “Where new or upgraded flood/coastal defences are shown to be essential to protect existing development, all such proposals shall be subject to the Floods and Habitats Directive and all other statutory requirements.”

FRP10 “Recognising the concept of coastal evolution and fluvial flooding as part of our dynamic physical environment, an adaptive approach to working with these natural processes shall be adopted.”

3.3.2.3 Relevant Local Planning and Development Policy

The County Donegal Development Plan 2018-2024 outlines flood risk management strategies for the management of development, including related polices which will be carried out in accordance with the Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities, surface water management and sustainable urban drainage (SuDS). In the context of Flood Relief Schemes Policy F-P-6 states:

It is a policy of the Council to consider the development of long and short-term flood remediation works, including embankments, sea defences, drainage channels, and attenuation ponds to alleviate flood risk and damage to livelihoods, property and business subject to environmental considerations including potential impact on designated shellfish water and, fresh water pearl mussel catchment areas, compliance with Article 6 of the Habitats Directive, best practice in Coastal Zone Management and the Marine Resource and Coastal Management policies of this Plan.

Glenties is a Layer 2B settlement, ‘Strategic towns due to their Special Economic Function” as defined in the County Development Plan 2012-2018 (as varied). Glenties zoning extents are shown in Volume II, Figures.

Layer 2B settlements comprise the County’s network of strategic towns predominantly due to their “Special Economic Function”. The core strategy recognises that Layer 2B is a critical component of the social, community and cultural identity of the County and that strengthening of these communities is essential in order to ensure key locations for population growth outside of Letterkenny. In order to continue to support the strengthening of these communities, the core strategy targets an additional population of 4,749 people by 2024 and a further 12,332 by 2038 forming an important component of the County’s critical mass. The Flood Relief

Scheme in Glenties will ensure that the town community is strengthened and will therefore facilitate the achievement of the settlement strategy for the County.