asked the Minister for the Environment if he will recommend that an early warning system between the Meteorological Office and Dublin Corporation be set up so that appropriate action can be taken as quickly as possible to alert the residents in areas likely to be affected from the dangers of flooding adjacent to the River Dodder.

My Department have issued guidelines to all local authorities, including Dublin Corporation, on the question of planning for and dealing with severe weather conditions. These guidelines contain specific advice on the need for arrangements with the Meteorological Office for advance warnings about adverse weather conditions. Local authorities are reminded each year to review and update their contingency plans before the onset of winter. I understand that there are arrangements for daily contact between Dublin Corporation and the Meteorological Office with regard to weather conditions.