Fishermen fear weather service downgrading

A downgrading in the standard of weather forecasting could put lives at risk, according to the Irish Fishermen's Organisation.

"Accuracy in weather forecasts is absolutely critical for both operational matters and, more importantly, for safety of the lives of those working in the vessels on the seas," Mr Frank Doyle, general secretary of the IFO, said last night.

The Irish Farmers' Association said it was also concerned that RTE had decided to no longer use Met Eireann meteorologists to present the weather forecast on RTE 1 television or Network 2.

A spokesman for the IFA said the association would be "very concerned indeed about any professional downgrading of an important public service."

Met Eireann's contract with RTE is due to expire before the end of the year. In the light of this RTE put the contract out to tender several months ago, advertising in the European business magazine EU Journal. Although Met Eireann has won the contract to prepare and write the forecasts, the staff who have presented them in the past will no longer be used.

Mr Tom Sheridan, head of the Commercial Division at Met Eireann, described the mood in the offices yesterday as one of disappointment. There had been dozens of calls of support from the public, he added.

Ms Joan Blackburn, who has presented the weather forecasts on RTE for 10 years, said she and her colleagues were surprised and disappointed by the news which they received about two weeks ago.

"We didn't expect to be taken off the screens altogether. I am not personally insulted but professionally I think it is a bad move on RTE's part," she said.

Mr Joe Mulholland, managing director of television at RTE, speaking on RTE Radio 1's News At One said the change in style of forecast presentation, which viewers will see by the beginning of next year, was not a case of "bringing in stunners and jazzing up the weather."

He said the new presenters would be well-qualified young people. RTE was often accused of not renewing its presenters, and this was RTE showing it could change. There would also be a new look in the graphics used for its TV weather forecasting. He denied the change was reaction to tv3, saying it was being planned up to a year ago.

Mr Sheridan, however, said there had been graphics and style changes before in weather presentation and Met Eireann had always adapted. "In our view our presenters could easily use the new graphics. I would expect the fact that the new presenters will not be professional meteorologists must have some effect on the presentation. Our view is that the weather is best presented by professional forecasters."

Met Eireann may continue to present the forecasts on RTE radio, and will continue to present some live broadcasts on Dublin's 98FM, and on Clare FM.