Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
459. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the lack of access to a river (details supplied) making it difficult for a Civil Defence boat crews to access same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14788/22]
View answerThe Department of Defence is responsible for the development of Civil Defence at national level. In this context my Department provides policy direction, centralised training through the Civil Defence College, administrative support, guidance and centralised procurement of certain items of uniform and equipment in support of local authority Civil Defence efforts.
The local authorities have operational responsibility for Civil Defence. There is a Civil Defence Unit in each local authority area. Civil Defence services are delivered through the Civil Defence Officer (CDO) of the relevant Local Authority for that area and the CDO is a full time employee of the local authority, in this case Roscommon County Council.
The issue of access to a particular waterway is not within the remit of my Department. I am advised that efforts are being made locally to try to resolve this issue with the co-operation of local landowners.
