Galway’s Severe Weather Event Management System (SWEMS), developed by Galway County Council and Galway Fire and Rescue Service, could be rolled out nationally after proving critical during Storm Eowyn. The system was recently highlighted by Government as part of its national storm review.

SWEMS provides emergency teams with a live, interactive map of severe weather events, allowing faster, more informed decision-making. The system also delivers updates directly to residents via social media and text alerts, ensuring communities receive real-time information as conditions change.

“Previously, there was a lag in information, and we were often behind the curve,” said Paul Duffy, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer. “SWEMS ensures all information is visible at once, potentially saving hours during severe weather or wildfire events.”

The local authority was awarded the Best Local Government Authority Project at the 2025 Business Post Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards in Dublin. A multi-county exercise led by Galway, involving eight local authorities and coordinated by the Office of Emergency Planning, demonstrated that the system could be scaled nationally at minimal cost.

Project Lead Mackenzie Boland said SWEMS now supports severe weather response for both Galway County and City Councils, aiding frontline crews and assessment teams. Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer Michelle Hennelly acknowledged the contributions of colleagues Michael Martin and former GIS Lead Barry Doyle for their role in the project.

With climate-driven extreme weather events increasing, Galway’s innovation is expected to redefine how Ireland prepares for and responds to emergencies.