The policy proposals will be used to establish a legal and administrative regime for the management and regulation of reservoir safety. The public consultation period will run from 12 March until 1 June 2012.
Minister O’Neill said: "Many reservoirs were designed as water storage but are also important environmental and community assets. These policies will form thebasis of new legislation to provide increased protection to the public, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity from the risk of flooding from reservoirs in this region. They have been developed with the help of key stakeholders from across the public sector as well as private owners and operators.
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"I want us to get this legislation right but without creating an unnecessary burden for owners and operators. I welcome comments on these proposals and I would encourage attendance at the information events which will be held during the consultation period."
The policy proposals will support the Reservoirs Bill which is to be introduced in 2013 to ensure reservoirs are managed and operated to minimise the risk of reservoir failure.
(CD/GK)
