The main role of the warden service is to carry out radiation monitoring in the event of a radiological emergency situation. This could take the form of an accident or a war situation.

Since the end of the Cold War, the likelihood of a nuclear confrontation between the superpowers has receded significantly, but the possibility still remains. The worrying spectre of terrorist Weapons of Mass Destruction also exists. There is a continual risk from industrial accidents abroad and also the minute possibility of a nuclear-powered satellite re-entering the atmosphere and spreading radioactive material over a wide area.

In dealing with peacetime scenarios, the Civil Defence operates within the framework of the the National Emergency Plan for Radiological Emergencies. Each county has its own local plan for implementing the procedures in the national plan. More information about this can be found here.

Recent events have highlighted the existence of Biological and Chemical terrorist threats. Civil Defence training and equipment will be developed to increase capabilities in this area.