SERVICES
MEM gov.ie – A framework for major emergency management
Information and Planning
The framework for Major Emergency Management (2006) replaced the Framework for Co-ordinated Response to Major Emergency, which has underpinned major emergency preparedness and
response capability since 1984. The 2006 Framework was prepared under the aegis of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Major Emergencies and was approved by Government decision. It enables the three principal emergency response agencies, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Monaghan County Council to prepare and make a co-ordinated response to major emergencies resulting from fires, transport accidents, hazardous substances and severe weather.
It enables the three principal emergency response agencies, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Monaghan County Council to prepare and make a co-ordinated response to major emergencies resulting from fires, transport accidents, hazardous substances and severe weather.
What is a Major Emergency?
“A Major Emergency is any event which, usually with little or no warning, causes or threatens death or injury, serious disruption of essential services or damage to property, the environment or infrastructure beyond the normal capabilities of the principal emergency services (An Garda Siochána, Health Service Executive and Monaghan County Council) and in the area in which the event occurs, and requires the activation of specific additional procedures and the mobilisation of additional resources to ensure an effective, co-ordinated response”.
Who are the Principal Response Agencies (PRA)?
The Principle Response Agencies responsible for Emergency Services in the North East region are:-
- Local Authorities i.e. Monaghan County Council, Cavan County Council, Meath County Council and Louth Local Authoities
- Health Service Executive: Dublin North East region comprising of counties Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and North Dublin.
- An Garda Síochána: Louth, Meath & Cavan / Monaghan Division.
Who are the Principal Emergency Services (PES)?
The principal emergency services are the blue light services that respond to normal emergencies in Ireland, namely An Garda Síochána, the Ambulance Service and the Fire Service. A fourth principal emergency service, the Irish Coast Guard, is responsible for the initiation, control and co-ordination of maritime emergencies in the Irish territorial waters, harbours and coastline. The principal emergency services would be the first services to respond to most major emergencies.
What is the organisational structure within Ireland?
The organisation structure for emergency planning in Ireland is broken down into three levels;
- National Level: The Government has formed a National Steering Group (NSG) to oversee the development and implementation of the Major Emergency Development Programme. The NSG established a National Working Group (NWG) to progress the programme.
- Regional Level: There are eight regions for Major Emergency planning within the Irish Republic. Monaghan County Council belongs to the North East region. This region incorporates the following counties;
- Cavan
- Louth
- Monaghan
- Meath
An inter-agency Regional Steering Group has been formed for the Major Emergency Region of the North East. This group is representative of senior management from each of the principle response agencies (PRAs). In addition an inter-agency Regional Working Group has been formed. This group is representative of senior operational managers from each of the principle response agencies (PRAs). The RWG meet on a regular basis.
Local Authority Level: Responsibility for overseeing the implementation of emergency planning within Monaghan County Council has been assigned to Director of Services for Emergency Services. He will be supported by the Senior Fire Officers from Monaghan Fire Authority. There are appropriate inputs from the other sections of the local authority.
Who may declare a major emergency?
Any one of the principal response agencies may declare a major emergency. The highest-ranking member of each of the first emergency teams to arrive on site carries out a situation appraisal. It is the task of these individuals to survey the site and accumulate all available information that may be used to arrive at a decision. Each principal response agency has personnel authorised and trained in the procedures for declaring a major emergency.
ICLRD Cross Border Public Safety Report 2024
Monaghan County Council Major Emergency Risk Register 2022
Useful links :
Irish Civil Defence / An Cosaint Shibhialta