New proposals to reduce the risk of future flooding in Northern Ireland have been introduced.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan, said the new policy will prevent development close to reservoirs unless developers provide assurances about reservoir safety.

The initiatives, agreed by the Executive Committee, are outlined in the Revised Planning Policy Statement 15 'Planning and Flood Risk'.

The main proposals are:

• a presumption against development in areas where there is evidence of a history of surface water flooding unless adequate measures are put in place;

• increased safeguards within previously developed land in flood plains protected by flood defences;

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• Onus on developers to mitigate and manage flood risk in areas where there is potential for surface water flooding;

• Assurances for reservoir safety;

• New and updated guidance on flood risk and sustainable drainage;

• Some new flexibility for development in the coastal flood plain where the land is raised to an appropriate level.

Mr Durkan said: "Alarmingly in recent years, Northern Ireland experienced serious local flood incidents. Given the predictions for climate change, the frequency of these events are likely to increase in the future.

"While flooding is a natural phenomenon that cannot be entirely eliminated, we in government need to do all we can to address this recurring problem which can have devastating impacts on individuals and communities, especially the vulnerable. Let’s not forget the impact on buildings and the delivery of services and the hardship experienced by people in the recovery and clean up period. Flooding can also directly affect schools, hospitals, businesses, transport and infrastructure and is therefore detrimental to our economy and society."

(CD/IT)