1868. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify how often local authority severe weather and flood plans are reviewed and updated; when the last substantive review and update of each respective local authority's plans took place; if this information is not collated by the Department, the reason for such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62534/26]

My Department is designated as the Lead Government Department for the coordination of the whole-of-Government response to exceptionally severe weather events. This function is carried out within my Department by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), in accordance with the Strategic Emergency Management Framework.

Local authorities are responsible for the response to severe weather emergencies within their functional areas, including flooding incidents. It is widely recognised that local authorities consistently demonstrate strong leadership and operational capability in managing severe weather events and supporting affected communities.

Each local authority prepares and maintains severe weather and flood response plans, which guide the coordination of preparedness, response and recovery activities relating to flooding and other severe weather events. As the principal response agency, the relevant local authority is responsible for the local response to flooding incidents, including inter-agency coordination with other responding organisations.

In 2025, my Department undertook a comprehensive review of local authority severe weather and flood response plans. Following this review, a sectoral workshop was delivered to local authorities to share good practice, identify lessons learned and provide exemplar approaches to support the continued enhancement of local flood planning and preparedness.

My Department is currently progressing the further development of national guidance on flood preparedness and response. This work is being undertaken in collaboration with Met Éireann, the OPW, local authorities and the principal response agencies, with the aim of strengthening preparedness, improving coordination and supporting an effective response to flood events.