£235M flood protection plan launched

An action plan worth £235M to protect homes, businesses and communities from flooding has been launched today by Environment Minister Aileen McLeod.

The Flood Risk Management plan includes 14 local strategies and proposals for 42 flood protection schemes or engineering works planned over the next five years and a raft of other flood alleviation measures.

This plan will be supported by an investment over the first cycle of £235M on measures to protect up to 10,000 properties.

The news comes on the back of the First Minister’s announcement at the weekend £12M funding being made available to help those areas hit by severe weather across Scotland.

Dr McLeod said: “Having met with many people who have seen their homes and livelihoods damaged due to flooding over recent weeks, I am all too aware of the devastation that flooding can cause.

“This shows exactly why Scotland’s first national flood plan is an important and necessary step forward. Our plan is designed to improve the way we tackle the risk of flooding across the country – protecting more homes, businesses, communities and livelihoods.

“For the first time, we have a nationwide plan, informed by local communities to tackle flooding. This will be at the heart of our efforts to prevent flooding and there is no doubt it will make a lasting contribution to flood risk management in Scotland.

“This plan has been achieved through partnership working and a shared commitment to prevent flooding and I would like to thank all those involved for their efforts in bringing these strategies together.”

SEPA Chief Executive, Terry A’Hearn said: “The Flood Risk Management Strategies have been developed to help reduce the damage which flooding can cause, and are more important than ever given the recent flooding. We have been working closely with local authorities to identify the most suitable actions to manage flood risk, and this is targeted towards areas where it will be most effective based on improved knowledge of the sources and impacts of flooding.

“The strategies coordinate the efforts of organisations that tackle flooding and concentrate this work to where the risk of flooding and the benefits of investment are greatest. Through this risk-based and plan-led approach the strategies aim to improve flood management for individuals, communities and businesses at risk in Scotland.”

 

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