Irish Wildlife Trust – Working with Nature is the Best Flood Defence

The current flooding crisis is a human disaster but it is also an environmental one - and one that has been building for a long time. We are now feeling the brunt of a 'perfect storm' caused by historical environmental degradation, poor planning by local authorities and climate change. The Irish Wildlife Trust are campaigning strongly that ecology, good planning and adaptation to climate change must be central to how we approach solutions to this terrible problem.

An immediate step that must be taken is to ensure that no development takes place on natural flood plains. This needs to be included in the 2009 Planning Bill, which currently exempts wetland drainage from planning permission. Wetlands capture carbon, retain water, support wildlife and are a natural flood defence, this should be utilized. Numerous wetlands that were illegally filled in over the years need to be returned to wetland so that we have a greater buffer and improve our natural defences. This is cheaper than the current haphazard strategy of building more flood defences.

'If there's anything we can learn from this disaster its that we need to work with nature, not against it', commented Padraic Fogarty IWT Chairman.

If climate change is left unchecked what are now freak weather events will become more and more common. Measures need to be taken to stop adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, major government backing of the 10:10 climate change campaign and implementing carbon tax are necessary. Increased native tree cover, particularly in the Shannon, Lee basins and degraded uplands, where the clear felling of inappropriate conifer plantations causes soil compaction, all have a role to play in lessening the impact of flooding in future years. Trees prevent sediment run off and forests hold and use more water than farms. Tree roots absorb water and tree leaves reduce raindrop impact and some rainwater stays on the leaves meaning less run off.

The IWT and other environmental groups will continue to lobby the government to take action. In the mean time everyone has a part they can play at home, school or work. Examine your premises and see if it can hold more water for a slower release. Pond creation, planting native trees and rain barrels help as they soak up water. Concrete patios and driveways just exacerbate the flooding problem and lead to faster water run off.

To find out more about wetlands visit www.iwt.ie , you can also become a member of the Irish Wildlife Trust and support our work.

ENDS

Contact:

For further information please contact Joanne Pender

IWT Development Officer Ph: 01 860 2839 or E-mail: enquiries@iwt.ie

Editors Notes:

The Irish Wildlife Trust was founded in 1979 as a charitable conservation body. We provide the public with information about wildlife, run education and training programs like SAC Watch and the Outdoor Classroom Programme, carry out habitat and species surveys like the IWT National Lizard Survey, campaign and lobby around biodiversity issues, restore natural habitats, consult with industry, agriculture and Local Authorities to maintain our natural heritage and contribute to national and international forums for the protection of biodiversity. The IWT is a nationwide organisation with a strong membership base, staff and Board of Directors, with branches in Dublin, Limerick, Waterford and Cork.

Joanne Pender

Development Officer

Irish Wildlife Trust

Sigmund Business Centre

93A Lagan Road

Dublin Industrial Estate

Glasnevin

Dublin 11

Ph: 01 860 2839

Fax: 01 830 8914

E-mail: enquiries@iwt.ie

Web: www.iwt.ie