Large-capacity generators being provided by Poland and Denmark
National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met again yesterday
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met again yesterday to continue to coordinate efforts to restore power, water, telecommunications and other services following Storm Éowyn.
Power has been restored to 682,000 customers; however some 86,000 homes, farms, schools 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.
Several large-capacity generators are being provided by Poland and Denmark, following a request under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The generators are being deployed to support Uisce Éireann and telecommunications operators to bring water, phone and broadband services back to homes and businesses.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: “The NECG continues to provide a joined-up Government approach in the aftermath of the storm – harnessing all State assets to restore power and services to all affected. Nothing is being left off the table in terms of resources, personnel or commitment. I would like to sincerely thank everyone at community and national level who has worked so hard and for long hours to ensure we respond as best we can.
“Thanks to the intensive work of our ESB Networks crews – supported by our cross-government effort as well as colleagues from across Europe – we have made good progress on restoring power to the vast majority of people affected by storm Éowyn. But I know that is no comfort to those who remain without services. The damage to the network in some parts of the country was simply unprecedented, but the restoration efforts will not cease until everyone is reconnected.”
Chair of the NECG Keith Leonard said: “The NECG continues to make sure that those on the front line of our restoration and humanitarian efforts receive all the cross-government assistance and support they need. Whether this has been sourcing and delivering of extra generator capacity, or allowing collaboration to ensure all those impacted, particularly our most vulnerable people, receive help, the NECG will continue to provide a joined-up response to the unprecedented challenge presented by storm Éowyn.”
The NECG will meet again later today (Friday), and Sub-Groups on power and infrastructure and humanitarian response continue to progress work in their respective areas.