COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, September 14, 2026
QUESTION NO. 33
QUESTION: Councillor J. Sinnott
To ask the Chief Executive what preparations are being made for extreme rainfall events this coming winter?
REPLY:
South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has a Major Emergency Plan incorporating dedicated Severe Weather and Flood Emergency Plans. Where severe weather or flooding is forecast, the Council activates its Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT), comprising senior staff from across the organisation. The team monitors weather warnings and flood forecasts, coordinates the Council’s response and, where practicable, directs advance measures to reduce potential impacts.
SWAT liaises with the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG), where activated. The NECG coordinates the national response across government departments, local authorities, emergency services, Met Éireann and relevant agencies, including Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Uisce Éireann. It may also establish sub-groups to manage specific risks, including those affecting the Liffey catchment and Poulaphouca Reservoir.
Operational decisions are informed by Met Éireann warnings and its Daily Flood Guidance Statement, together with available forecasting systems such as the Irish Flood Integrated Communication System, MetWeb and the European Flood Awareness System. Council staff and crews continue to monitor these sources and any advice issued by Met Éireann throughout an event.
In advance of forecast extreme rainfall or storms, Council crews routinely clear debris from river screens and clean gullies at identified locations across the administrative area. During an event, Council maintenance crews and contractors are placed on standby to respond to emergencies as they arise.
Members of the public requiring assistance outside normal office hours may contact the Council’s emergency number at 01 457 4907.
Public preparedness guidance is available through the Government’s Be Emergency Ready campaign. SDCC’s Climate Team has also published A Public Health Guide for Climate Action, which includes advice on staying safe during storms and is available on the Council’s Climate Action website.
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