Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2015
82. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the necessary finance to develop and introduce a national flood warning system to be operated by Met Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3065/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of a new National Flood Forecasting and Flood Warning Service was proposed in a report on a Strategic Review of Options for Flood Forecasting and Flood Warning in Ireland, prepared for the Office of Public Works.
Following consultation with relevant Departments and Agencies the OPW, in consultation with Met Éireann, has proposed the introduction of a new interim National Flood Forecasting Service as the first stage of the implementation of a full national flood forecasting and flood warning service. The proposed interim service would be introduced as an extension to the existing Met Éireann weather and related forecasting services. The proposal recognises that the development of the new service requires additional resources and expertise in the combined disciplines of meteorology and hydrology which is not currently available within Met Éireann or the OPW.
The proposals for the establishment of a new interim flood forecasting service have been discussed at meetings of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning. Discussions are now taking place on the details between the various stakeholders. A key issue will be the need to identify and prioritise the resources required.
