Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016
246. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any future forecasting will include tidal flooding as well as river flooding; if future forecasting will include areas of past flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1396/16]
View answerThe Government has agreed to the establishment of a flood forecasting and warning service.
A Flood Forecasting and Warning Service is regarded as an important non-structural flood mitigation measure. It will provide early warning that will allow the general public and local authorities to take more effective preventive action to mitigate the impacts of an impending flood.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) commissioned the Report of the Strategic Review of Options for Flood Forecasting and Flood Warning in Ireland that has set out a range of options and possible approaches for the development of a National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service. This Report confirms international experience and indicates that the provision, operation and maintenance of forecasting and warning services is resource-intensive, complex and has a relatively long development timeline.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Service would be a new operational unit within Met Éireann with guidance for standards and performance independently overseen by the OPW.
The intention is that a Steering Group will be convened, including representatives from the OPW, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, Met Éireann, Local Authorities to steer, support and oversee the establishment of the new service over the coming years, as well as maintaining the current arrangements until the new service is in place. The service will be nationwide and it is expected that flooding from tidal (coastal) sources will form part of the early discussions of this Steering Group.
