Flood Risk Management

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Questions (238)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

238. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Defence when a local flood warning service will be available for communities. [68841/26]

View answer

Written answers

The full scope, implementation plan, timelines and resource requirements for Stage II are currently being developed under the auspices of the Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning subgroup established for this purpose.

Ireland’s strategic emergency management arrangements operate on a Lead Government Department model. Responsibility for planning and preparedness, response, and recovery rests with the Lead Government Department assigned to the relevant emergency type. While I chair the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and an official from my Department chairs the subgroup progressing Stage II, these coordination roles support, but do not replace, the policy and operational responsibilities assigned under those arrangements. The Department of Housing and the Office of Public Works have individual responsibilities in these areas.

Through the Government Task Force and the Office of Emergency Planning, my Department will continue to support the collaborative work required to progress Stage II, recognising the importance and urgency of delivering an effective local flood forecasting and warning service for communities as soon as practicable. The completed implementation plan will be brought to Government separately for consideration.