The Government is set to receive an update today on plans to improve how flood risks are identified, communicated and managed across Ireland.
Housing Minister James Browne will bring a memorandum to Cabinet outlining work under way between Met Éireann, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and local authorities to strengthen the country’s response to flooding.
Mr Browne is understood to have pressed for improvements in the way river and coastal flood risks are identified and communicated, with a particular focus on ensuring that warnings reach households and businesses early enough for them to take action.
Met Éireann is proposing that its forecasting expertise and data be combined with information held by the OPW and local authorities. The aim is to provide the public and emergency agencies with clearer and more timely information when a significant flood threat emerges.
The OPW is responsible for publishing flood maps used in emergency planning, while local authorities coordinate responses to flooding in their respective areas.
Met Éireann is also examining how it can improve both the timing and content of flood forecasts, ensuring information is available not only to the public but also to local authorities, emergency services and other agencies involved in responding to severe weather.
The initiative follows widespread criticism after Storm Chandra caused significant flooding and property damage across parts of the south east and elsewhere in January.
The storm affected communities in counties including Dublin, Wexford and Kilkenny and prompted renewed questions about whether existing weather warnings adequately conveyed the potential severity of the flooding.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin subsequently acknowledged that reforms to the warning system were required, while Mr Browne criticised Met Éireann for “guarding” information.
Government sources said information on river and coastal flood risks “needs to be amplified” to allow families and businesses to respond more quickly.
The current work is part of efforts to establish a fully operational National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service. The proposed approach would combine data and expertise across the relevant agencies, improve public communication and support the early mobilisation of emergency responders when a flood threat is identified.
Cabinet is also expected to receive an update on the recent period of dry weather.
Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon is expected to report that farmers are undertaking significant supplementary feeding as dry conditions continue to affect agricultural activity.
