Following extensive consultation and consideration, the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government will launch its report on the Management of Severe Weather Conditions, at 2:30 pm today (July 20th) in the AV Room of Leinster House.
The report has examined the causes and subsequent response to the prolonged flooding which afflicted many parts of the country in late 2009 and the heavy snow which caused significant problems for road users earlier this year.
The report finds that some aspects of the emergency response were positive, but it also offers a number of strong criticisms regarding the communications, co-ordination and management reaction to the crises.
The report outlines a number of recommendations aimed at improving the efficiency of response to any futures instances.
During its deliberations, the Committee heard from Met Eireann, ESB, County and City Councils, the Minister for Environment and others. It also undertook a visit to some of the areas worst affected by the floods in Cork.