COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, January 10, 2022

QUESTION NO.10

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

To ask the Chief Executive for a report on actions taken to deal with the challenges presented recently by Storm Barra and will he make a detailed statement?

REPLY:

Preparations:

South Dublin County Council staff attended briefings by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management on Sunday afternoon December 5th, Monday the 6th ,Tuesday 7th, and Wednesday the 8th with the National Directorate, Met Éireann, the OPW, other Local Authorities and other agencies.

South Dublin County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) met on Monday 6th December to review preparations for the anticipated high winds and rain of Storm Barra.

The SWAT meeting brings together key staff from across the Council to co-ordinate works that need to be done before, during and after the storm event. Representative from Roads, Public Realm, Drainage, Community & Housing and the Communication Section attend the SWAT meeting.

Works were carried out prior to Storm Barra to prepare the county for the event and the high wind and rain with fallen debris and flooding conditions.

Trash screens on the rivers and streams particularly at culverts were checked and cleared of any debris. Road gullies were checked for blockages and cleared, leaves are of concern at this time of year and were removed.

Summary of Impacts

Spot flooding occurred on roads in locations across the county and roads crews were out dealing with these impacts as they arose.

Trees and branches were reported down in circa 50 locations. Crews from the Public Realm and Road Maintenance sections of the council attended to these, making them safe and removing debris. 

The Water Services Section was also out making sure water and wastewater infrastructure was working and any tripped-out pumping stations were put back online promptly.

Communication with the public is a key activity for the council during any weather event. Social media updates to the public were posted before and during Storm Barra and updates from Met Éireann, Tii, and other relevant bodies were reshared on SDCC platforms.