Local Councils have been asked to have their winter emergency plans ready for an operational response to severe weather conditions.

The Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan wants all Councils to plan in advance for any emergencies which arise to ensure there is minimum disruption to service for citizens.

He said: “With the clocks going back at the weekend it is appropriate that Councils take stock of how well they are prepared for winter. While last year’s winter was fairly mild, we need to prepare for severe weather. Remember also that even in the mildest of winters we can still have severe flooding.

“I am also conscious that this winter will take us through to 1 April 2015, when council boundaries and responsibilities change significantly. I will, therefore, be asking Chief Executives of the “new” councils to ensure that the change does not impact on their councils’ ability to respond fully.