Flood Risk Management
Seanad Éireann — 2026-04-14
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Kieran O'Donnell (FG), Limerick City

I thank Senator Gallagher again for raising this important issue, which I have taken on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Browne. It is important to acknowledge the vitally important work undertaken by local authorities across the country during incidents of flooding and severe weather events more generally. Local authorities are the first responders. They receive the call when roads are flooded, trees are down, riverbanks have broken, and homes and critical infrastructure are at risk. Fire services, road and outdoor crews, and emergency management teams are ready to deploy to assist their communities 365 days a year. I am sure I speak for everyone when I thank them.
The time, effort and planning that goes into being ready to respond to such events should be acknowledged. Local authorities have plans in place that they continue to refine and enhance. They are also implementing resilience measures, such as having generators ready for community support centres to ensure communities can be supported during high-impact events. My Department continues to work with all local authorities as they develop their resilience and continue to invest in the fire service, which is the principal response agency in the context of severe weather and flooding. As can be seen in the fire service capital programme just announced by my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Browne, the 2026-2030 programme will see €28.5 million invested to strengthen fire and emergency services nationwide so they are able to respond when communities are at risk.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-04-14/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-14