Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 182: To ask the Minister for Finance the progress made on introducing an early warning system for adverse weather conditions in view of the devastation caused during the winter of 2009 and early 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38681/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The issue of a national flood warning system was raised with me by a number of public representatives during the severe flood event of November 2009. At that time I gave an undertaking that the OPW would examine the issue and bring forward recommendations. The issue was re-iterated in the Fourth Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment Heritage and Local Government – The Management of Severe Weather Events in Ireland and related matters was published in July 2010.

Prior to the publication of the report of the Joint Committee in July, OPW had, already, commissioned a feasibility study on the provision of a national flood forecasting and flood warning system. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential benefits and assess the options for delivery of such a service. The study will also examine the procedures and infrastructure required for a flood forecasting and flood warning service including the resourcing installation, maintenance and operation of any possible system or systems. It is expected that the study will be completed in early 2011. An extensive consultation with the primary stakeholders has already been carried out as a central part of the overall feasibility study.

In parallel with the national study, existing catchment-based flood forecasting systems are being piloted at Mallow and Clonmel and a further assessment is being carried out on the Lee catchment. The extensive experience and knowledge gained from the practical operation of these local systems will be an invaluable guide to the present study of national requirements. Clearly the feasibility of any system or systems which the report may propose will be predicated on the ability to resource not only the commissioning of any such system, but critically, its ongoing implementation and operation.