Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Sinn Féin TD John Brady, has described as “scandalous” revelations that millions allocated over recent years to the National Flood Forecasting Warning Service was not spent.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) confirmed this information at today’s meeting of PAC – outlining that just €5.9 million out of an allocation of €19.3 million was spent on the National Flood Forecasting Warning Service between 2020 and 2024.
Teachta Brady said:
“At a time when so many communities across the state have either experienced flooding or are worried about the risk of flooding, it is scandalous to learn that millions of euro for a National Flood Forecasting Warning Service has been handed back to the exchequer over recent years.
“It is incredible that only €5.9 million out of an allocation of €19.3 million was spent on this service between 2020 and 2024.
“In 2023, €7.2 million was allocated and just €1.3 million spent. In 2024, €6 million was allocated and just €1.6 million spent.
“While the government, and in particular the Minister for Housing has been quick to point the finger of blame in recent days – this underspend and lack of investment in effective forecasting and warning systems exposes the government’s failures on this issue.
“It was all the way back in 2016 when the government agreed to the establishment of a National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service with the stated aim of enabling members of the public and local authorities to take more preparatory action to reduce the impact of flooding.
“Storm Chandra has again laid bare the government’s utter negligence in developing this service.
“Early warning systems can be a vital tool in helping families and businesses prepare for flooding and other extreme weather events, and ultimately protect their homes and livelihoods.
“The government must now clearly explain why they failed to deliver such critical flood risk management infrastructure, even though funding had been allocated.
“Communities impacted by flooding cannot continue to be let down by this government’s poor planning and inaction.
“As chair of the PAC, we will be seeking further details and clarification on these matters and we intend to hold a hearing with the Department of Housing, Office of Public Works and Met Éireann at the earliest opportunity.”
ENDS