Financial help for people impacted by Storm Éowyn in Donegal

Storm Éowyn will long be remembered as the most devastating storm in living memory, with damaging winds affecting the entire country.

The death of 20-year-old Kacper Dudek has led to much shock and sadness in Donegal. The young man tragically lost his life when a tree fell on his car on the N14 at Feddyglass, Raphoe as he travelled home from work at Zeus in Letterkenny on Friday morning. He was laid to rest on Thursday. 

READ: Communities unite in Lifford to pay touching farewell to crash victim Kacper Dudek

Close to 100,000 premises lost power during the storm, and while a degree of service has been restored, many customers could be without electricity beyond this weekend. The repair is being hampered by the sheer amount of damage to electricity lines, caused largely by fallen trees.

The water and phone networks were also severely affected.

In response to an emerging humanitarian need, Donegal County Council has opened a helpline for those who need support following the impact of Storm Éowyn.

Donegal County Council has opened a Community Response Support Helpline on 1800 832 015 from 9.00am to 4.30pm this week. 

People can also make contact via the dedicated support email humanitarianassistance@donegalcoco.ie

A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said: “Donegal Public Services Centres located in Letterkenny, Milford, Donegal Town, Carndonagh and Dungloe, together with our Library Services and Donegal County Museum (Letterkenny) welcome anyone in need of wi-fi and charging facilities to call in during opening hours. 

“Updates on individual library branch services available will issue throughout the week as branches open.”

Help is also at hand for people who are at a financial loss due to the storm. Emergency support payments are available through the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme. The scheme provides an initial, non means tested payment for emergency supplies such as food and clothing.

Financial Assistance

There is further income tested financial assistance to households affected by a severe weather event where there is damage not covered by insurance policies.

The scheme is administered by the Community Welfare Service. Income limits are €50,000 for a single person, €90,000 for a couple and €15,000 per dependent child. Reduced or tapered level of support may be provided in cases where household income is above the limits.

According to the government website gov.ie: “The scheme covers emergency payments for food, clothing and personal items, damage to your home and its essential contents, such as carpets, flooring, furniture, household appliances and bedding, and structural damage.”

Income limits do not apply to payments made under Stage 1 of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme. Stage 1 provides emergency support payments for food, clothing and personal items in the immediate aftermath of the event.

Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items, while Stage 3 is to identify what longer term financial support is required.This could include plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting.

Forms can be downloaded here

Local social welfare offices can assist with these schemes.

Follow Donegallive.ie for coverage of news, sports and events across Donegal