Our Office of Emergency Planning

Following the events of 11 September 2001, the government established the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning to provide strategic direction and coordination for emergency planning across the State. Chaired by the Minister for Defence, the Task Force brings together government departments, key public bodies, An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and other organisations with lead or supporting roles in emergency preparedness and response.

The Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) was established to support the work of the Task Force and is a joint civil-military office within the Department of Defence. The OEP supports the Minister for Defence as Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and coordinates strategic emergency planning across government.

Working closely with government departments, State agencies, local authorities and the emergency services, the OEP helps ensure that Ireland's emergency planning arrangements are coordinated, effective and resilient. A key element of this work is supporting national risk assessment and resilience-building initiatives to help identify, assess and manage risks that could impact the State.

The OEP manages the National Emergency Co-ordination Centre (NECC), which provides a dedicated facility for ministers and officials to coordinate the national response to major emergencies and crises. The OEP also maintains strong links with international partners, particularly across the European Union, promoting the exchange of best practice in emergency planning, risk management and resilience.

Find out more about the Office of Emergency Planning and its role in emergency planning and resilience.

Visit the Office of Emergency Planning website.