Use of big data could make emergency responses more efficient

Local authorities could save the economy millions of euro this winter by using big data — large pools of online data from social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

EMC Ireland’s country manager Gerry Murray said big data could pinpoint areas of adverse weather conditions for local authorities and emergency services.

During a cold snap in Jan 2010, the National Roads Authority spent €3m importing road salt from abroad because of a shortage, while insurers paid out.