Publication
Nature Based Management of Urban Rainwater and Urban Surface Water Discharges - A National Strategy
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
This strategy sets out a road map regarding the implementation of nature-based solutions in urban design. In order to do this, many different agencies and departments at national and local level must work together.
These nature-based solutions (NbS) are designed primarily to take in rainwater runoff, store the rainwater or “slow the flow” and, in doing so, remove many of the pollutants before allowing the treated runoff back into the drainage system. While this is their primary role, they are also planted and landscaped appropriately and contribute towards a more pleasant urban environment which can be used to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and other active and sustainable travel modes.
In recognition of these multiple benefits, this strategy has been divided into a number of areas of activity and policy each of which can, through taking specified measures, promote and support the proposed approach.
These include proposed actions in:
- planning for nature-based solutions
- climate adaptation
- water services
- roads and transportation
- funding.
The strategy also proposes measures to highlight and deliver on the multiple benefits of the proposed approach to nature-based management of urban rainwater in areas such as public health and wellbeing as well as climate adaptation and the environment.
These include proposed actions under education and training as well as community engagement and public health promotion.
It is intended that this strategy will encourage and inform a softer, greener, more climate adaptive and less polluting approach to urban growth and, thus, promoting more attractive places for living, working and leisure.
