Offaly County Council’s Severe Weather Alert Team and Local Coordination Group reconvened today to discuss the ongoing activities required in Offaly post Storm Éowyn. Chaired by Chief Executive, Anna Marie Delaney, the meeting was attended by representatives from An Garda Siochána, the HSE and the ESB. The meeting reviewed the severe weather response and requirements, providing helping where needed. The ESB reported the significant challenges being faced by its crews dealing with an unprecedented number of faults on the network in Offaly and all across the country. Additional crews are being brought in from overseas to deal with the scale of repairs required. The Gardai and the HSE both confirmed that they had no information regarding vulnerable persons on their lists in Offaly who remain without contact, support or resources.
Coordinating a local level response to the needs of people who have been significantly impacted by the storm, Offaly County Council has contacted local community centres who are providing support in areas experiencing power outages. The Chief Executive expressed thanks to those centres who had opened their doors to those affected to provide showers, charging facilities, tea, coffee and water. Offaly County Council, in association with Uisce Éireann, will provide a one-off supply of bottled water to community centres in Rhode and Walsh Island that need access to water. Ms Delaney “thanked colleagues in ESB Networks, An Gardai Síochana and HSE for their inter agency support and engagement throughout this event.”
Offaly County Council confirmed that storm related emergencies or requests for assistance can be reported to 1800 151515 which remains active this week for non-fire emergencies and the public should use this number if they need additional assistance. Offaly Civil Defence will co-ordinate responses to such calls either directly or through other agencies.
Unprecedented damage has been done by Storm Éowyn. Vulnerable people that are living in areas that are experiencing power outages should contact their medical professional team to discuss what additional support they may need until their power is restored. Our colleagues in the ESB advise customers to visit www.powercheck.ie for updated estimated power restoration times.
Ms Delaney confirmed an alternative contact, customerservices@offalycoco.ie, is available for the public to register their non fire emergency request or to log a query regarding supports and equipment for those most in need.
Ms Delaney concluded the meeting by outlining “for those still awaiting a restoration of power, Offaly County Council will provide assistance at a local level, with the needs of the most vulnerable being prioritised.”
Humanitarian Assistance Scheme
The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by Storm Éowyn. The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme mitigates hardship by providing income tested financial assistance schemes to households affected by a severe weather event.
The Department of Social Protection adopts a three-stage approach:
- Stage 1: Provide emergency support payments (for food, clothing, etc.) in the immediate aftermath of the event. This Stage is not income tested and is based on the immediate need of impacted individuals.
- Stage 2: Replace white goods and basic furniture.
- Stage 3: Focus on damage to a household’s primary residency.
If any homeowner affected by severe weather needs to access these supports, emergency Community Welfare Service contact details are available on
Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.