Conference to gauge Ireland’s emergency response capability

The Irish Red Cross is hosting a conference today to see how prepared Ireland is for a major emergency.

More than 10,000 specialist volunteers are ready to react if Ireland is ever hit with a natural disaster or a terrorist attack.

Experienced workers from different aid agencies around the country are to be gathered into one unit so they can deal more effectively with an emergency.

The Irish Red Cross said their workers will bring expertise to the group, which is being set up as part of a Europe-wide initiative.

Vice chairman Tony Lawlor said serious flooding is one potential emergency scenario given the scale of global warming.