Fine Gael Defence Spokesperson, David Stanton TD has raised the need for the Government to ensure flood and severe weather risks are minimised this winter. In particular, Deputy Stanton has called for the army to be used earlier in severe weather situations and in a preventative role. He has also said that local authorities and national emergency co-ordinating bodies must ensure all the necessary measures are in place to do so.
“It appears to me that the army are only being called in as a last resort and when lives are at risk. I think it would be prudent to utilise the Defence Forces and any other State bodies and agencies in a preventative role to ensure that measures such as sandbagging and the like are put in place before homes and businesses are flooded.
“With a severe weather alert this weekend I am urging national co-ordinating bodies to ensure that all measures are in place and that all agencies are utilised to the full to minimise any damage that might occur.”
ENDS
