Cork Councillor Seeks Update on Ireland’s National Cell Broadcast Alert System

Cllr Audrey Buckley has put a motion to Full Council on 12 October 2026 calling on Cork County Council to write to the Minister about Ireland’s national cell broadcast system. The motion seeks a clear update on when the system will be operational, and an explanation for the delay.

In a social media post, Cllr Audrey Buckley said that emergencies can develop quickly in Cork County, citing the fire near Camden Fort Meagher and flash flooding in parts of the county.

She pointed to the red emergency alerts many people have received on their phones while abroad, warning of fires, flooding and other immediate dangers. She said these systems are already used in other countries, and that it is reasonable to ask why Ireland is still waiting for a fully operational national system.

Cllr Buckley said a location-based cell broadcast system can send urgent warnings directly to compatible mobile phones in an affected area, without people needing to register or download an app. She said this means both local residents and visitors can receive potentially life-saving information.

She also noted that the EU deadline for implementing the relevant public warning requirements was June 2022.

Cllr Audrey Buckley:

“This is not about pointing fingers. It is about getting answers, protecting lives and making public safety a priority.”

Cllr Audrey Buckley:

“When an emergency happens, every minute matters.”

Cllr Buckley closed her post by asking:

“Why are we still waiting? Public safety cannot wait.”