Tánaiste thanks Civil Defence for its work in Cork

THE commitment and professionalism of Civil Defence volunteers in Cork, particularly during recent flooding events across the county, has been acknowledged by Tánaiste Micheál Martin.

Mr Martin met Civil Defence officers and volunteers and reviewed recently-purchased equipment and vehicles at Cork City Civil Defence headquarters yesterday morning.

Additional funding amounting to over €150,000 to buy new equipment and vehicles was received by Cork City and Cork County units of Civil Defence, with three communication vehicles and two drones purchased.

Mr Martin commended the work of the Civil Defence members and said it is important that the State responds to the volunteers’ commitment by making sure it provides capital resources to enable it to buy proper vehicles and equipment.

“I’ve great respect for the work that Civil Defence does in supporting our society and coming to the aid of people,” he said.

Speaking particularly about their response to recent flooding events, Mr Martin said Civil Defence members have evolved to meet challenges faced, and do it in “a modest and unassuming manner”.

“Your role played in terms of Storm Babet and flooding in parts of Cork City, and in Midleton, Blackpool, and Glanmire was very well received and, when you meet people who are impacted by flooding, as I did, it is an extraordinarily devastating experience for a household or a family to go through — their house being destroyed or indeed businesses facing ruin,” he said.

“Very often your volunteers are the first to the scene and the first priority is to ensure safety and prevent loss of life. We were very fortunate during Storm Babet to have no loss of life.

“It is a measure of your commitment and professionalism that there was no loss of life during Storm Babet.

“We have to learn lessons from that to make sure we don’t have citizens in situations like that into the future.

“Many volunteers stayed late into the night evacuating vulnerable people and assisting where possible.

“Co-ordination is key and there was a very strong co-ordinated response between agencies and bodies, including the Civil Defence, as you all worked tirelessly in a very difficult situation.”

Mr Martin said the Government will continue to work with Civil Defence and to make sure resources are available so that volunteers have the best technology and the best equipment to deal with emerging situations.