Written answers

Thursday, 15 September 2011

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Severe Weather Events

5:00 pm

Photo of Robert DowdsRobert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the full list of the measures being taken by him to prepare for the potential for extreme cold weather this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24267/11]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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My Department acted as Lead Government Department in co-ordinating the response of 27 Government Departments and Agencies to the Severe Weather Events of 2009 and 2010. In keeping with recognised international good practice, my Department has completed a review of the response to draw conclusions as to what worked well and, importantly, make recommendations from the lessons learned in order to improve Ireland's preparedness for and resilience to future severe weather events. A recognised and accredited methodology was used for collecting and collating information from the Departments and Agencies in respect of the response to the severe weather events.

The Report on the Review of the Response to Exceptional Severe Weather Events of 2009-2010 sets out the sequence of events as they occurred, draws various conclusions and makes recommendations to improve preparedness for, and increase resilience to, future severe weather events. The Report, including appendices which set out the 52 conclusions and 62 recommendations, is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning has endorsed the Report.

Government Departments and agencies are in the process of implementing the recommendations for their sectors, with a particular focus on those which must be met before next winter. Progress is being reported to the Government Task Force. I am confident that their implementation, coupled with the valuable experience gleaned at national and local levels from the previous severe weather events, will enhance our preparedness for any severe weather events which may occur this winter.

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