Wicklow County Council has launched its draft Wicklow County Council Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Policy and Development Guidance, with public consultation commencing from the 13th of September up to 16:30pm on the 18th of October. Submissions are invited from all interested parties.

This policy and guidance is in line with Action 5 NEGI of the Wicklow County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 found at the following location:

https://www.wicklow.ie/Living/Services/Environment/Climate-Action-and-Biodiversity/Climate-Action-Plan-and-Environmental-Reports

The relative main Sustainable Development Goals promoted and delivered through this policy are listed as follows:

• SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation where SuDS components directly improve the quality of rainwater runoff through the reduction of pollution to receiving waters.
• SDG 13 Climate Action with Nature Based SuDS components delivering both mitigation and adaption benefits.
• SDG 14 Life Below Water is protected through the removal of pollutants through Nature Based SuDS improving the quality of water entering our rivers and seas.
• SDG 11 Delivers Sustainable Cities and Communities with the delivery of Nature Based solutions such as green roofs or bio retention areas within Urbans Areas delivering amenity areas that improve environmental conditions and reduce urban heating.
• SDG 15 Life on Land is delivered through the use of Nature Based SuDS through the promotion of biodiversity which encourages a healthy ecosystem including the cleaning of air and water. 

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) have been defined as ‘A sequence of management practices and control structures designed to drain surface water in a more sustainable manner than conventional techniques’. Nature Based SuDS manage rainfall water runoff taking into account water quantity (flood risk), quality (pollution), biodiversity (wildlife and plants), carbon reduction and amenity space. They are designed to manage rainfall as close to where it falls, encourage natural groundwater recharge and encourage evapotranspiration from vegetation and surface water. 

SuDS provide an opportunity to catch and treat runoff through intercepting, filtering and degrading pollutants, and by reducing the volume of potentially contaminated runoff.

The purpose of the document is to provide a brief introduction to SuDS, guidance on the various standards; the Council’s planning requirements and the various types of SuDS components. The document provides stormwater management design guidance and information on the standards required by development proposals in order to implement SuDS. Appendix D of the document provides guidance for single dwellings or extensions to existing dwellings.

Wicklow County Council will run an online consultation event during the consultation period which will be advertised through the Public Participation Network (PPN) and on Wicklow County Councils Social Media.

Additionally on Tuesday the 15th of October a public consultation event will be held during Wicklow County Councils Climate Action Week between 7pm and 9pm at Clermont house and the SuDs Policy will be presented as part of a wider programme. Interested Parties are welcome to attend this event to discuss the draft policy.

Once ratified Wicklow County Council will maintain this SuDs policy as a live document, which can be updated on an annual basis as National Guidance or Policy is further developed.

Submissions can be made through Wicklow County Council’s online consultation hub, by email to climatepolicy@wicklowcoco.ie or in writing to the Climate Action Coordinator Wicklow County Council, Station Road, Wicklow Town A67 FW96.

Submissions or observations must be made in writing no later than 16:30pm on Friday the 18th of October.

Late submissions will not be accepted.

Please consider the following in making your submission:

• Submissions should be made using ONE method only i.e. online or in hard copy.
• Submissions or observations should include your name and address and, where relevant, details of any organisation, community group or company etc. you represent.
• Written submissions or observations with respect to the Draft SuDs Policy, made within the period stated, will be taken into consideration before the making of the Suds Policy.
• Please ensure that no vexatious, libellous or confidential information, including confidential information relating to a third party (in respect of which the third party has not, expressly, or impliedly in the circumstances, consented to its disclosure) is included.
• All submissions/observations will be subject to the Data Protection Act 1988-2018 and the Freedom of Information Act 2014.