Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
396. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage given that the European Space Agency has confirmed that their satellite measurements are showing a sharp surge in sea-surface temperatures across the Pacific, which signals that El Niño is back, if his Department is putting in place mitigation measures to deal with the resulting weather disruption in Ireland,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52839/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are the lead agencies responsible for coordinating the response to flooding and severe weather emergencies. Each local authority operates a Severe Weather Assessment Team and maintains Severe Weather and Flood Plans to support preparedness and response measures. These teams monitor weather warnings from Met Éireann, High Tide Advisories and notifications from the European Flood Awareness System (EFAS).
While El Niño can significantly influence weather patterns in some regions of the world, Met Éireann advise that its impact on Ireland and Europe is comparatively weak, variable and not currently a reliable driver of weather conditions. The World Meteorological Organisation’s seasonal climate analysis for this summer does not indicate any clear evidence of additional warming in Ireland attributable to El Niño.
Although some studies suggest that El Niño may exert a greater influence on Ireland’s climate in the second half of this century under higher greenhouse gas emission scenarios, this is not considered a factor in current seasonal forecasts.
Met Éireann continues to monitor weather conditions across seasonal, monthly, weekly and daily timescales and provides ongoing support and advice to the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) and the Principal Response Agencies.
As the Lead Government Department for severe weather and flooding events, the Department, through the NDFEM, coordinates a whole-of-Government response where required. This is undertaken in close collaboration with local authorities, Met Éireann, relevant Government Departments and response agencies to ensure an effective and coordinated approach.
Local authorities remain at the forefront of the operational response to severe weather events, supported by established national coordination arrangements that provide a robust and well-tested framework for managing emergencies. In advance of each winter season, the NDFEM convene Government Departments and key agencies, including local authority representatives, to review preparedness measures.
Accordingly, established preparedness, monitoring and response arrangements remain in place to manage severe weather and flooding risks and will continue to be kept under review.
