EU generators to help restore water, phone and broadband.
Power has been restored to 635,000 customers; however some 133,000 homes, farms and businesses still without.
Ireland is expecting delivery of several large-capacity generators, following a request under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, to help restore power, water, telecommunications and other services to homes, farms and businesses following Storm Éowyn.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met on Wednesday to continue to coordinate and concentrate efforts, with ESB Networks continuing to mobilise all available resources to restore power connections as soon as possible.
Power has been restored to 635,000 customers; however some 133,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without supply.
Telecommunications and water supplies have also been significantly affected. In most cases, this is due to knock-on effects of power outages, with assessments continuing.
A key focus for Government, the NECG, and all organisations involved is to find ways to support power restoration works that will make the most impact in terms of restoring water, communications and other services.
In addition, Ireland is expecting delivery of several large-capacity generators, following a request under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
The generators from Poland and Denmark will be deployed to support Uisce Éireann and telecommunications operators to bring water, phone and broadband services to homes and businesses.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said:
“Yesterday I visited a number of the areas most impacted by Storm Éowyn and saw for myself the huge response operation taking place. I want to thank all those who are supporting this intensive work – the critical infrastructure crews, the agency and local authority staff, the local volunteers and all who are contributing to the humanitarian response. This historic storm has required an unprecedented response, and the government is throwing everything it can at helping those still suffering and getting their services restored as quickly as possible.”
Chair of the NECG Keith Leonard said:
“With over 250 Emergency Response Hubs now running across the country, and more coming on stream all the time, the NECG is continuing to support local authorities in these important relief efforts. Local Coordination Groups are also now in place across 19 counties – making sure supports and resources are directed to where they are most needed, and that our most vulnerable people are prioritised for help.
“The NECG is also working to support our infrastructure agencies as they continue to mobilise all available resources to restore connections as soon as possible. ESB efforts are being bolstered by crews coming from the UK and across Europe, as well as skilled ESB Networks retirees who have been drafted in to help. Extra generators are also arriving into the country, with the NECG coordinating their delivery to where they can best support the restoration and relief efforts.
“This restoration operation has been unprecedented in its scale, and there will be no let up until everybody is reconnected.”
NECG Sub-Groups will meet again later today to continue to progress work in their respective areas.
The full NECG will meet again tomorrow, and work will continue throughout the day and week to coordinate the response and recovery.