Expanding the horizons of integrated flood risk management: a critical analysis from an Irish perspective

Millions of people around the world are exposed to some degree of flood hazard, with the level of exposure increasing with climate change. Arising from the scale of recent flood experiences across Europe, the European Union adopted the Floods Directive in 2007 to bring about greater assessment and management of flood risk across the EU and encapsulating the paradigm shift that involves a more holistic approach to flood management by requiring consideration of both structural and non-structural measures. This paper explores the evolution of flood management in Ireland, and highlights gaps concerning understanding of human-environment behavioural interactions. The paper promotes the importance of exploring how people's perception of the environment and the design of urban landscapes may influence behaviour; important considerations in the advancement of a more integrated flood risk management system.