A major exercise of the National Radiological Emergency Plan took place on Sunday 10th November. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland co-ordinated the exercise which involved agencies throughout the state. The scenario involved a major release of radioactive material from a fictional nuclear facility in Wales.

Laois Civil Defence conducted a full scale exercise of the Laois plan from 1200hrs on the same day. Command and control was conducted from the County Control centre in County Hall, a public information centre was established, 2 mobile monitoring teams were sent out to measure gamma radiation dose rates throughout the county, a static monitoring station was established in Portlaoise and an environmental sampling team was activated. A welfare team provided refreshments to participating personnel from the kitchen in the control centre.

Observers from the County Council, Fire Service and Order of Malta were present at various stages during the day.

The observations of gamma radiation levels taken on the day are visible here.

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