Report into Storm Éowyn needs to be published to prepare for severe weather – Carrigy

Recommendations from an extensive review carried out in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn need to be published now, a Fine Gael TD has said.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is due to publish a full review of the co-ordinated response to Storm Éowyn soon, with view to identifying key lessons across all sectors and the implementation of recommendations.

Deputy Micheál Carrigy, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, said as another winter of storms looms and following the devastation of Storm Éowyn at the end of January, the country needs to be ready.

Deputy Carrigy said: “We’ve seen the damage storms can do. Storm Éowyn earlier this year should have been a turning point – but too little has changed since. That’s why we need to have the recommendations arising out of the review without delay.

“We still lack the kind of robust infrastructure and rapid-response systems that communities deserve. Until those changes come about, preparedness at the local level is our strongest defence.”

More than 760,000 homes were without power in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, some for a few hours, while many had to wait days for their electricity to be restored.

Deputy Carrigy has called for local authorities to step-up their communications efforts and ensure that vulnerable people are supported.

“We need more than just weather warnings,” said Deputy Carrigy. “We need action. Communities can’t be left scrambling every time the wind picks up.”