Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
1319 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government given that Britain and Ireland were hit by the equivalent of a tsunami in the 17th century or thereabouts; if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the possibility of such an occurrence again; the preparations which have been made to deal with such a calamity or a similar natural disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34593/04]
View answerI understand there is historical evidence that the south coast of Ireland experienced a tsunami following the Lisbon earthquake in the early 18th century and that there is also geological evidence that Ireland may have experienced the effects of similar tsunamis in pre-historic times.
Issues relating to the potential risk of Ireland being hit by tsunamis in the future are currently being studied by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. These issues include the feasibility of an early warning system, a suitable communications response and the establishment of an appropriate research programme to support policy and decision making. Issues regarding national planning to deal with emergencies of this nature are a matter for the Government task force on emergency planning, chaired by the Minister for Defence, and for the office of emergency planning in the Department of Defence.
