Emergency Management in the Republic of Ireland: A rising tide has lifted all boats. Caroline McMullan Ph.D DCU Business School Dublin, Ireland

Historically a Low Priority Geographic position Weather storms occur but seldom result in loss of life Relatively low level of industry Small & dispersed population Neutral in cold war In the past relatively poor therefore resources needed for development not available

History of Emergencies Great Famine (mid 1800s) Spanish Flu (1918/19) “The Troubles” (late 1960s +) Whiddy Oil Terminal Explosion (1979) Buttevant Rail Crash (1980) The Stardust (1981) Air India Crash (1985) Severe Weather (Winter 2009/2010)

Hazards & Vulnerabilities Natural events – small island nation Human/Animal disease & Public Health Major Industrial Accidents (proximity to Nuclear plant in England) Serious Transport Accidents Terrorism Isolation

Development – 2 planes 1.Strategic, advisory level – Office of Emergency Planning, Department of Defence. Key Function – to provide guidance & advise at governmental level. 2.Operational/Response level – Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government. (This will be focus of my presentation)

Emergence of Emergency Mgt Some activity during 1970s (Health Sector) Increased importance after Buttevant & Stardust Disasters plus Severe Blizzards (1982) 1984 Framework developed – remained in place for more than 20 years! 2004 turning point – Inter-agency Review Working Group established to review 1984 Framework Group produced “A Framework for Major Emergency Management” (2006)

The Framework 1.Hazard Analysis 2.Mitigation 3.Planning and Preparedness 4.Response 5.Recovery Five-Stage Emergency Management Paradigm (A Framework for Major Emergency Management 2006 s.1.7)

Taking the lead The Principal response agencies (PRAs) for major emergencies occurring in Ireland are An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive & the Local Authorities The PRAs lead the implementation of the Framework In general the response will be initiated by the three principal emergency services (PES), which deal with “normal” emergencies as part of their everyday work – An Garda Síochána, the Ambulance Service & the Fire Service.

Purpose sets out arrangements which will facilitate the principal emergency services in scaling-up the response required, so as to utilise the full resources of the PRAs, and to work together in the management of large-scale incidents. provides mechanisms for linking the work of the PRAs with Government. sets out arrangements by which other services, such as the Defence Forces, voluntary emergency services, utilities, transport companies, industrial, the communities affected can support & work with the PRAs.

Story so far… Designed, developed & implemented by dedicated & enthusiastic team Logical, well-justified document supported by impressive guidance documents High level of engagement during planning phase- Huge leap forward in terms of preparedness! Launch of first E.M. in DCU – Sept 2007 Live across country since 30 Sept 2008 Used to good effect a number of times – visible impact during recent crises

More to do… Not underpinned by legislation Fear momentum may be lost Learn from experience & review post-incident Ring-fence public finance: more difficult with recession PRAs need to continue to invest in people & resources Focus on building resilience & response capability across the nation

Any Questions?