Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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1411. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his views on whether the recent declaration of yellow warnings by Met Éireann for what was a period of average summer weather was excessive; if his Department has had any engagement with Met Éireann on the use or overuse of these colour-coded warnings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40969/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Met Éireann warnings are issued based on the best available data to reflect the conditions expected widely across an area and to support the protection of life and property.

Status yellow warnings are issued for weather that does not pose a threat to the general population but is potentially dangerous on a localised scale. During a yellow warning, we advise that people be aware of meteorological conditions, check if they are exposed to danger by nature of their activity or specific location, and to not take any avoidable risks.

Recent warnings were issued in relation to an unseasonably warm spell of weather with temperatures exceeding 31 degrees, which was followed by a spell of heavy rain with daily totals exceeding 30mm in places.

The warning system is closely tied to the national response structure and is fully aligned with international best practice and the European Meteoalarm system (www.meteoalarm.eu).

In the interest of providing the best possible service and information to stakeholders and the general public, the system is routinely reviewed, and any future updates would be developed in consultation with national emergency response agencies.

A full explanation of all Met Éireann warnings can be found on the Met Éireann website: www.met.ie/weather-warnings, and app.

Localised forecasts across Ireland can help to interpret the broader county-level warnings, and are also available on the Met Éireann website: www.met.ie, and app.