Emergency Planning

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024

Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Questions (110)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

110. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the 'public warning system' which enables mobile phone operators in Ireland to send warnings to the public via text message on behalf of the Government before or during large-scale public emergencies or when there is danger to life; if, given that it is EU law that every State operates a warning system to alert citizens to a national emergency, he will respond regarding an announcement around this in 2023; what progress has been made with respect to any implementation; to provide a timeline for the completion of this emergency service fully tested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21264/24]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

In November 2023, Ireland put in place a mobile phone-based emergency public warning text system, as required under Article 110 of the EU Electronic Communications Code Directive. The Public Warning System (PWS) enables mobile phone operators to send texts to the public, on behalf of the Government, giving information on developments in the event of a major emergency or disaster. The PWS will be activated only in the most exceptional of circumstances, where there is a major emergency or disaster which poses a significant and imminent threat to human life, property, or the environment. The system becomes part of the Strategic Emergency Management (SEM) structures that are already in place. In the appropriate circumstances it will be another channel, among the existing channels such as social media, TV and radio, to provide information to the public. In the longer term, the Government’s intention is to establish a cell broadcast system, similar to that used in some other countries, for transmitting public warning messages. My Department has published a Call for Tender relating to the procurement of the necessary advisory services to support the implementation of a national Cell Broadcast Public Warning System, details of which are available on gov.ie at www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/prepareViewCfTWS.do?resourceId=3462824. It is anticipated that the new system will be operational in December 2025, subject to procurement timelines.