S.L. 549.167 Art. 6Flood risk management plans.

(1) The competent authority shall draw up Flood Risk

Management Plans on the basis of the flood risk maps for each of the areas identified in terms of regulation 4.

(2) The Flood Risk Management Plan shall incorporate objectives for each of those areas identified in terms of regulation 4, focusing on the reduction of potential adverse consequences of flooding for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity and where appropriate on non-structural initiatives or on the reduction of the likelihood of flooding.

(3) The Flood Risk Management Plan shall include measures for achieving the objectives established in accordance with sub-regulation (2) as well as the elements listed in the First Schedule and shall take into account relevant aspects such as costs and benefits, flood extent and flood conveyance routes and areas which have the potential to retain flood water, such as natural floodplains, the environmental objectives of Article 4 of Directive 2000/60/EC, soil and water management, spatial planning, land use, nature conservation, navigation and port infrastructure.

(4) Flood risk management plans shall address all aspects of flood risk management focusing on prevention, protection, preparedness, including flood forecasts and early warning systems and taking into account the characteristics of the particular water catchment or sub-catchment as well as the promotion of sustainable land use practices, improvement of water retention as well as the controlled flooding of certain areas in the case of a flood event.

(5) Flood risk management plans shall be completed and published by 22 December 2015.