Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 293: To ask the Minister for Finance the reason the publication of the report into the feasibility of introducing a national flood warning system has been delayed until next year in view of the enormous hardship caused by flood damage throughout the country last year and the enormous cost to the economy as a result of lost business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44390/10]

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

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. This report made a number of recommendations which included the provision of flood early warning systems, a matter relevant to the remit of OPW.

Prior to the publication of the report of the Joint Committee in July, OPW had, already, commissioned a strategic review of options for flood forecasting and flood warning in Ireland. The review has a very wide scope covering flood forecasting and flood warning systems internationally, and the feasibility and applicability of such systems to Ireland. A comprehensive review of the options available to meet national circumstances will take approximately one year to complete. I am satisfied that the review process is on schedule.