Press Release from Minister Paul Kehoe TD

16 October 2017

Civil Defence and ex Hurricane Ophelia

The Minister with responsibility for Defence Paul Kehoe TD attended this morning’s meeting of the National Emergency Co-ordinating Group on Severe Weather. He has emphasised the contribution of Civil Defence volunteers who are on standby across the country ready to assist in dealing with the effects of ex Hurricane Ophelia. These highly trained volunteers are based in every county and were busy over the weekend preparing for the severe weather. Activities included filling sand bags, loading vehicles and setting up control centres.

Civil Defence has a wide range of equipment including 4×4 vehicles, ambulances, boats, command and control vehicles, pumps and drones. As a second-line emergency service Civil Defence supports the Principal Response Agencies such as the Gardaí, the HSE and the Fire Service. Civil Defence volunteers will be deployed through their local authority in accordance with the procedures for dealing with severe weather as set out in the Framework for Major Emergency Management.

Minister Kehoe is appreciative of the response by Civil Defence volunteers who can always be relied upon by the communities which they serve.

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