Calls for warning system as website predicts floods

By Fiachra Ó Cionnaith

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

CALLS have been repeated for a complete roll-out of a nationwide flood alert system after an independent website appeared to indicate that the flooding crisis in Cork city could be easily predicted.

Reacting to almost a fortnight of heavy rain and flooding in large parts of the south and west, Fine Gael environment spokesman Phil Hogan said it was essential that a "badly needed" national system was implemented to warn people in danger of a flood crisis.

However, he claimed despite plans being in place for such a step to be taken, there was little impetuous from Government to ensure the vital defence is implemented.

"The widespread devastation caused by the flooding has highlighted the immediate need for an action plan so this never happens again," said the opposition spokesperson.

"This is vital for preparing for future events. It may not always be possible to stop the waters but people need to know what is coming to prevent as much damage as possible.

"Britain operates an advanced monitoring system for flooding and communicate directly to potentially affected people through a variety of mediums such as telephone messaging, media alerts to action and through other methods such as loud-hailer and siren systems. This could be provided for Ireland."

His comments came after the independent website corkfloodwatch.com appeared to detail the exact levels floodwaters were due to rise to over the past week across Cork city and county.

The figures would have helped to give those in potentially affected areas a clearer indication of whether they were likely to face further flooding, allowing them time to prepare effectively.

According to the site — which is run by the National Centre for Sensor Research, the Tyndall National Institute, IDS Monitoring, and the South Western River Basin District — by yesterday evening flood water levels in Cork city had fallen below a metre from a high of more than five metres over the weekend.

The site also confirmed as the ESB controversially released water from its Inniscarra dam the water level across Cork city rose on average from 4.6m to 5.3m.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, November 25, 2009