asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether any improvement is contemplated in the present inadequate broadcasts of weather information for fishing and coastal shipping vessels in the waters round the Irish coasts; and, if so, if he will give details, and indicate when the improvement will take place.
Written Answers. - Weather Information Broadcasts.
24.
The Deputy does not appear to be aware that a greatly expanded service of forecasts for shipping and fishermen was introduced on 1st January, 1961 and is broadcast three times daily from Radio Éireann instead of the previous once daily service. The broadcasts include statements of the meteorological situation and detailed forecasts for Irish coastal waters up to 30 nautical miles offshore and for the open waters of the Irish sea. The forecasts relate to the following 24 hours and, in addition, a further outlook is given. Gale warnings for the Irish coastal waters and for the Irish Sea are also issued as necessary by the Meteorological Service and are broadcast by Radio Éireann as soon as possible after issue. Warnings which are still valid are repeated before each reading of a weather forecast.
The expanded service of broadcasts is specially designed to meet representations which had been made by the interests concerned and I have no information which would indicate that the new service does not adequately provide the weather information required for fishing and coastal vessels in the waters around the Irish coasts.