Vol. 401 No. 6
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Dáil Éireann debate - Thursday, 12 Jul 1990
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Written Answers. - Environment Emergency Services.
166 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the additional specialists advice which has been provided at central level to assist the emergency services in planning for, and responding to, major emergencies impacting on the environment.
My Department provides advice to local authorities on the various aspects of emergency planning on an ongoing basis. In addition to the model major emergency plans which form the basis for the local authority response to all major incidents, guidance has issued on specific hazards such as the off-site effects of accidents at industrial installations and the transportation of dangerous substances by rail, and on the protection of water resources in emergency situations. Local authorities have also been provided with detailed information on dangerous substances in use in this country and the appropriate measures to deal with them; this information is available to firemen and other local authority personnel in card form (Hazcards) and is backed up by further information held on computer. In May of this year, I announced a new arrangement which has been agreed with the Federation of Irish Chemical Industries under which chemical companies will provide advice and assistance to local authorities in dealing with road transport emergencies involving chemicals.
My Department will continue to review all aspects of planning for emergencies, including the environmental issues, and will issue further advice and guidance as appropriate. The Environmental Protection Agency will have a contribution to make here in due course.
