Localised warnings to replace county-wide model

THE national forecaster has confirmed plans to introduce a new, more localised weather warning system later this year, replacing the current 'countywide' model.

- BY DAIRE FITTON and DANNY DE VAAL

The new system will divide each county into sections, with individual weather warnings issued as appropriate.

It addresses one of the main gripes that many people have had with the warning system in recent years.

Under the current system, if a storm or other major weather event affects one part of a county, the entire county will be placed under a weather warning.

So while a storm is raging in West Cork and along the Kerry border, residents in Youghal could be left wondering what all the fuss was about.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which oversees Met Eireann, says the current system is 'well established, robust and aligned with international best practice'.

The department also confirmed Met Eireann is currently engaging with key stakeholders on the new and improved warning system, which it hopes to implement later this year.

The new system is designed to provide more precise guidance to communities facing severe weather events.

Confirmation was provided following a parliamentary question from Laois TD William Aird, who queried the department after the recent flooding in the east of the country.