Counties on flood alert as severe weather strikes
Managers were reminded that local authority engineers should give priority to looking after the interests of the general public. The minister also asked the managers to ensure that the necessary equipment and sandbags are provided to deal with any potential floods especially in coastal areas.
Mr Roche also contacted Defence Minister Willie O'Dea to ensure the local civil defence are on call.
"I was very pleased by the response in October last year by local authorities and other State agencies to the flooding that occurred. I am again appealing to the same agencies to be vigilant and provide whatever assistance may be necessary," Mr Roche said.
The minister also appealed to all householders and property owners to take whatever action is necessary to mitigate the effects of flooding.
And the best way to do this is to keep drains clear and having a stock of sand-bags on hand available in all hardware stores.
The Minister also reminded members of the public who experience extreme difficulties that they can contact the emergency services on 999 or 112.
A phone number will also be made available by each local authority, which will enable members of the public and local representatives to keep in touch about relevant arrangements.
These numbers are available on the websites of the 34 city and county councils nationwide.
