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Shannon radar down again.

  • 02-08-2019 6:37pm
    #1
    Comhrá
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,816 ✭✭✭


    The Shannon radar seems to be having it's annual vacation again.

    It's down now for 24 hrs+ and has been having intermittent outages over the past few weeks.


«134567…11

Comments

  • #2
    Stanford
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,194 ✭✭✭Stanford


    How can the Airport operate without radar?


  • #3
    Rougies
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,682 ✭✭✭Rougies


    Stanford wrote: »
    How can the Airport operate without radar?


    The weather radar is down, they still have aircraft radar.


  • #4
    Stanford
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,194 ✭✭✭Stanford


    OK thanks for clarification


  • #5
    ninebeanrows
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,780 ✭✭✭✭ninebeanrows


    Still down. Thunderstorms possible tomorrow in area covered.

    For a 1st world nation its pathetic to have 1 functioning radar for a country our size


  • #6
    Discodog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,916 ✭✭✭✭Discodog


    At least they could put a message up by now


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  • #7
    Comhrá
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,816 ✭✭✭Comhrá


    ME uses the radar display for the entire country for their home page.

    https://www.met.ie/

    Leaving it up with so much coverage missing without even a word of acknowledgement or explanation shows a very careless and unprofessional approach to their website effort.


  • #8
    Oneiric 3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,238 ✭✭✭Oneiric 3


    Sleety_Rain wrote: »
    For a 1st world nation its pathetic to have 1 functioning radar for a country our size
    To be frank, the Shannon radar is barely of any more use when it is up that when it is down. But my guess, because this is Ireland after all, is that there is vested interests at play here and no doubt a primary reason why we are stuck with such an atrocious radar system.

    New Moon



  • #9
    irishgrover
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,496 ✭✭✭irishgrover


    can you give us a hypothetical hint as to what the vested interests might potentially be?


  • #10
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 5,311 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Oneiric 3 wrote: »
    To be frank, the Shannon radar is barely of any more use when it is up that when it is down. But my guess, because this is Ireland after all, is that there is vested interests at play here and no doubt a primary reason why we are stuck with such an atrocious radar system.

    Those living in the southwest might want an idea of where precipitation is falling. Instead of blind guesswork, which is the case right now. Farmers for example, whose livelihoods depend on the weather, deserve better.


  • #11
    Oneiric 3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,238 ✭✭✭Oneiric 3


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Those living in the southwest might want an idea of where precipitation is falling. Instead of blind guesswork, which is the case right now. Farmers for example, whose livelihoods depend on the weather, deserve better.
    What about those of us living in the west, and particularly S. Connacht that have to 'guess' even when the radar is up? We seem to be stuck in a constant shadow caused by the Clare hills. I have seen rain pouring here when the radar showed nothing, and vice versa. Shannon Radar is pulp, full stop.

    New Moon



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  • #12
    Harry Palmr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 40,061 ✭✭✭✭Harry Palmr


    Oneiric 3 wrote: »
    To be frank, the Shannon radar is barely of any more use when it is up that when it is down. But my guess, because this is Ireland after all, is that there is vested interests at play here and no doubt a primary reason why we are stuck with such an atrocious radar system.
    irishgrover wrote: »
    can you give us a hypothetical hint as to what the vested interests might potentially be?

    It's the conspiracy by Dublin to keep the west poor obviously.


  • #13
    Discodog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,916 ✭✭✭✭Discodog


    Oneiric 3 wrote: »
    What about those of us living in the west, and particularly S. Connacht that have to 'guess' even when the radar is up? We seem to be stuck in a constant shadow caused by the Clare hills. I have seen rain pouring here when the radar showed nothing, and vice versa. Shannon Radar is pulp, full stop.

    I find it pretty good & I use & rely on it far more than most would. The Dark Skies App & Arcus read the radar & are rarely wrong on the short term.


  • #14
    pauldry
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,174 ✭✭✭pauldry


    Look at Sat 24 satellite. White is shht n black is good.

    Alternatively a window facing the direction the clouds are coming from.


  • #15
    Discodog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,916 ✭✭✭✭Discodog


    Shannon must be useful to UK Met.


  • #16
    ecowise
    Registered Users Posts: 125 ✭✭ecowise


    Shannon rainfall radar is still not showing on ME page. It is extraordinary that such a major part of their weather apparatus can be out of action (and for such a long time) and they don't feel any need to inform the public about it.


  • #17
    Discodog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,916 ✭✭✭✭Discodog


    I would of thought that the EU would help with installing a state of the art radar. It has to be of benefit to the UK & countries like France.


  • #18
    ecowise
    Registered Users Posts: 125 ✭✭ecowise


    I agree that Shannon radar (and another one in the north west would be useful) is of interest to other European countries. It might even be that they are already contributing financially.


  • #19
    Portsalon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 702 ✭✭✭Portsalon


    ecowise wrote: »
    Shannon rainfall radar is still not showing on ME page. It is extraordinary that such a major part of their weather apparatus can be out of action (and for such a long time) and they don't feel any need to inform the public about it.

    Ministerial Responsibility for Met Eireann lies with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, i.e. Eoghan "the failure" Murphy.

    Given his effectiveness with other areas of his portfolio, I'm rather surprised that the Dublin Airport rainfall radar is still working!


  • #20
    Oneiric 3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,238 ✭✭✭Oneiric 3


    Discodog wrote: »
    It has to be of benefit to the UK & countries like France.

    Why? are you expecting a post-Brexit war to break out?:eek:

    New Moon



  • #21
    Comhrá
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,816 ✭✭✭Comhrá


    ME has finally gotten round to telling us the Shannon radar is down.

    From their Facebook page:
    Met Eireann
    42 mins ·

    The Met reann rainfall radar at Shannon Airport is currently not operational due to a technical issue. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. It is under service and due to resume operation this week.


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  • #22
    ronnie3585
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,675 ✭✭✭ronnie3585


    Really, really missed it today. Didn’t realise how much I rely on it.


  • #23
    dexter647
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,218 ✭✭✭dexter647


    Comhra wrote: »
    ME has finally gotten round to telling us the Shannon radar is down.

    From their Facebook page:

    It's been giving trouble for years so at this stage I'd stop repairing the bloody thing and just replace it!!


  • #24
    pauldry
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,174 ✭✭✭pauldry


    Why did Met Eireann tell us their radar was down nearly a week late?

    Did they hope that over 250,000 people who look at the weather on their phones wouldnt notice.


  • #25
    ecowise
    Registered Users Posts: 125 ✭✭ecowise


    Sadly, by being insulated from their users they are institutionally complacent.


  • #26
    sumtings
    Registered Users Posts: 265 ✭✭sumtings


    ecowise wrote: »
    Sadly, by being insulated from their users they are institutionally complacent.


    This is true.

    The radar is so important in Ireland, it could be a much better product than it currently is for mass usage. It's not just a case of meeting basic needs, there should also be some thought leadership in the products provided rather than a tick the box. The outdoors as a resource both for entertainment and for work is enhanced by a good radar product.


  • #27
    Discodog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,916 ✭✭✭✭Discodog


    sumtings wrote: »
    This is true.

    The radar is so important in Ireland, it could be a much better product than it currently is for mass usage. It's not just a case of meeting basic needs, there should also be some thought leadership in the products provided rather than a tick the box. The outdoors as a resource both for entertainment and for work is enhanced by a good radar product.

    Plus popular apps like Dark Skies & Arcus rely on the radar.


  • #28
    ecowise
    Registered Users Posts: 125 ✭✭ecowise


    In response to an email ME have said that a major malfunction occurred when the magnetron was inserted in a sub-unit of the radar system. They are awaiting a response from the German manufacturer, Leonardo. The time to repair is indefinite but should be this week.


  • #29
    Portsalon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 702 ✭✭✭Portsalon


    ecowise wrote: »
    Sadly, by being insulated from their users they are institutionally complacent.

    They have two categories of customers:

    us (the great unwashed, who don't pay them directly for their services)

    and

    them (commercial entities who pay for their services).

    Understandably, ME gives "them" a better level of service than it gives "us" :(

    What I fail to understand is why an Organisation which has regular daily access to the national media (TV and Radio) cannot be bothered to inform its listeners that an important part of its infrastructure will be out of action for a few days. It really is very poor customer service. ME's Director, Eoin Moran, really needs to pull up his boxers on this one!


  • #30
    Zzippy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,166 ✭✭✭✭Zzippy


    You'd really miss it. Accuracy from Dublin really drops off at longer range. Torrential rain in Galway ATM but not a thing showing on radar. Shannon really handy for things like timing a walk with the kids etc, knowing you have a window before rain arrives.


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  • #31
    Discodog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,916 ✭✭✭✭Discodog


    Zzippy wrote: »
    You'd really miss it. Accuracy from Dublin really drops off at longer range. Torrential rain in Galway ATM but not a thing showing on radar. Shannon really handy for things like timing a walk with the kids etc, knowing you have a window before rain arrives.

    If you play the animation you can see the point where Dublin picked up that shower - one image literally shows half a shower.


  • #32
    Jpmarn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,484 ✭✭✭Jpmarn


    There must be a big fault on the Shannon radar. It is offline for at least 5 days now. I suppose the bank holiday weekend in the middle of summer didn’t help as so many people like to be off.


  • #33
    pauldry
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,174 ✭✭✭pauldry


    At least Sligo is on the coast.

    Today there was less than 1mm in Sligo but heavy thunderstorms nearby in Ballymote that were barely visible on radar but showed on satellite


  • #34
    Kutebride
    Registered Users Posts: 1,204 ✭✭✭Kutebride


    ..........and still not working ;(


  • #35
    JCX BXC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,227 ✭✭✭✭JCX BXC


    Tweet issued again today, as well an an update, or more lack of one! "No further updates – 8th August"


  • #36
    Kermit.de.frog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,898 ✭✭✭✭Kermit.de.frog


    Pain in the neck not having this available.


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  • #37
    JCX BXC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,227 ✭✭✭✭JCX BXC


    Kermit.de.frog wrote: »
    Pain in the neck not having this available.

    Very much so.

    Went camping during the week, very much missed the rainfall radar when trying to figure out when we had time between showers!


  • #38
    Storm 10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,970 ✭✭✭Storm 10


    My other half wanted to go for a walk yesterday so she asked the Son was there any rain coming, he checked not knowing the radar was down and said no rain, she headed out and fifteen minutes later she was absolutely soaked not impressed.


  • #39
    Joe Public
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,783 ✭✭✭Joe Public


    They mentioned on the RTE weather forecast yesterday evening that Shannon radar was waiting for a part. Going back through the years when it was out of service for extended periods this was always the story. What makes Shannon radar so unique that it's very prone to faults and often not an easy fix?


  • #40
    weisses
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,558 ✭✭✭weisses


    Its a pathetic ... third world meteorological infrastructure in a first world country


  • #41
    Comhrá
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,816 ✭✭✭Comhrá


    A page from Boards weather forum from ten years back.

    Sadly little has changed since then. Nothing to suggest anything will change going forward either.

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin//showthread.php?t=2055754470&page=4


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  • #42
    mickger844posts
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 4,467 Mod ✭✭✭✭mickger844posts


    Latest Update on their website

    Friday 9th August: A major repair is being carried out as a matter of top priority by Met Éireann especially given the current unsettled Atlantic weather pattern. The progress will be updated here on Monday.


  • #43
    Comhrá
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,816 ✭✭✭Comhrá


    from 2012:

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056821074&page=2
    Quote:
    Met Eireann apologises for the continued interruption of service from the Shannon Radar. During routine maintenance, a faulty drive motor and gearbox were diagnosed. Met Eireann technicians have been working on the faults all week; the drive motor has been replaced, but the delivery of a new gearbox from suppliers has been delayed and is expected by Monday 10th. The installation of the new gearbox and other tasks necessary to bring the Radar back into service are likely to take a few days thereafter.


  • #44
    Portsalon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 702 ✭✭✭Portsalon


    mickger844posts wrote: »
    Latest Update on their website

    Friday 9th August: A major repair is being carried out as a matter of top priority by Met Éireann especially given the current unsettled Atlantic weather pattern. The progress will be updated here on Monday.

    Which, to me, suggests that it won't be fixed before Monday at the earliest. :mad:


  • #45
    Popoutman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,363 ✭✭✭Popoutman


    It'd be nice to have a weather radar in Belmullet and somewhere in west Kerry, to give better coverage of the incoming weather from the West..


  • #46
    Joe Public
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,783 ✭✭✭Joe Public


    If the problem was discovered during "routine maintenance" does that mean it was fine until they touched it? now it's a big overtime claim :)


  • #47
    Jpmarn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,484 ✭✭✭Jpmarn


    An Joanne said on TV that with Shannon down the country has lost half its rainfall radar coverage.


  • #48
    JCX BXC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,227 ✭✭✭✭JCX BXC


    Popoutman wrote: »
    It'd be nice to have a weather radar in Belmullet and somewhere in west Kerry, to give better coverage of the incoming weather from the West..

    West Kerry would just overlap with the Shannon one. A waste of money.

    Perhaps Belmullet or somewhere in Donegal.


  • #49
    Bsal
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,775 ✭✭✭Bsal


    Looking at netweather's radar it looks like they are not using data from the Dublin airport radar, you can see the range ring ends just before Shannon airport which suggests they are only using Belfast radar, but if you go to met.ie website you can see the range ring from the Dublin airport radar extending as far as Cork.


  • #50
    REBELSAFC
    Registered Users Posts: 643 ✭✭✭REBELSAFC


    Popoutman wrote: »
    It'd be nice to have a weather radar in Belmullet and somewhere in west Kerry, to give better coverage of the incoming weather from the West..

    Here in West Cork the Met Radar really doesn't cover us at all.The showers are on top of us before they show on the radar. A radar at Sherkin or Valentia would offer much better coverage for the South West of the country.


  • #51
    ecowise
    Registered Users Posts: 125 ✭✭ecowise


    I suspect part of the problem with the ME service is that they have a monopoly in Ireland. It is interesting to see how the UK Met Office have upped their game on Youtube since they lost the BBC contract:

    https://youtu.be/qPbNN-hW69o


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