Carrigy calls for Storm Éowyn report recommendations to be published

A Longford/Westmeath TD has called for the recommendations from an extensive review conducted in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn to be published.

Fine Gael's Micheál Carrigy said the report "needs to be published to prepare for severe weather incidents."

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is due to publish a full review of the co-ordinated response to Storm Éowyn, which devastated the country in late January, with a 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, the country needs to be ready.

“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," Deputy Carrigy said.

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. We need action. Communities can’t be left scrambling every time the wind picks up," Deputy Carrigy concluded.