The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) would like your views on the draft Flood Risk Management Plans for Northern Ireland prior to the publication of the Final Plans next year.

The Flood Risk Management Plans are an important step in the implementation of the EU European Directive, on the “Assessment and Management of Flood Risks”, commonly known as the “Floods Directive”. Its aim is to establish a framework that will contribute to reducing the impact of flooding on communities and the environment.

The consultation documents also include a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and a Habitats Regulatory Assessment (HRA).

Copies of the Consultation documents and response forms can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development website www.dardni.gov.uk/consultation-on-draft-flood-risk-management-plans.

Hard copies or alternative formats of the consultation document can be requested by telephoning 0845 3044505, bye-mail rivers.registry@dardni.gov.uk or by post to; Floods Directive Team, Rivers Agency, Hydebank, 4 Hospital Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast, BT8 8JP.

Responses are sought by 22nd June 2015