Emergency-response report to criticise Government

A report on the severe weather conditions of last winter will strongly criticise the emergency response by the Government.

Flooding and heavy snow brought many parts of the country to a standstill; Cork city was devastated by prolonged flooding in November with many parts of the west severely affected, as were parts of Kilkenny and Carlow.

Following the floods, heavy snow at the beginning of the year left many drivers and commuters stranded because of treacherous roads.

The Government's Emergency Taskforce was charged with dealing with both of the crises and a report by the Oireachtas Environment Committee has examined its response.

The committee has heard from Met Éireann, the ESB and county and city councils, and has found problems with communication, co-ordination and management.

It is set to recommend a number of changes to improve efficiency in the response to any similar emergency in the future.