Government pledges support as Storm Éowyn leaves Ireland shook

Thousands of households across Ireland are still without electricity after Storm Éowyn hit the country with record-breaking winds. Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the damage as “unprecedented,” confirming that at one point, 768,000 people were without power. Sadly, the storm also claimed the life of 20-year-old Kacper Dudek in County Donegal.

In response to the devastation, Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary has announced that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme will be available to homeowners whose properties have been damaged. The scheme is income-tested and aims to prioritize those most in need. It provides support for immediate essentials such as food, clothing, and personal items, helps families replace vital household goods like fridges, washing machines, and furniture, and covers long-term repairs for structural damage, electrical work, and painting.

Anyone seeking help through the scheme can contact the Community Welfare Service by calling 0818 60 70 80, which is open throughout Friday, January 24. Over the weekend, staff will be available at 087 2895001 from 10am to 4.30pm. For those unable to call during these hours, the email address DNCWS@welfare.ie can be used, and messages are monitored continuously.

Meanwhile, Tanaiste Simon Harris confirmed that the Irish Defence Forces are assisting ESB Network in restoring power, while Civil Defence remains on standby. Met Éireann has issued ongoing weather warnings for multiple counties and is urging the public to exercise caution in affected areas.

The Taoiseach expressed gratitude to emergency responders and local authorities who have been working around the clock to clear roads and reconnect essential utilities. He acknowledged that the restoration of high-voltage lines, water supplies, and communications will require significant effort in the days ahead.

“This is a whole-of-Government effort,” Martin stated, referencing the coordinated work of ESB, EirGrid, Irish Water, local councils, the Defence Forces, Civil Defence, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte, and others. He added that his Government will “fully assess the situation” and develop comprehensive relief measures to aid households and businesses recovering from Storm Éowyn’s aftermath. Communities rally to support neighbors in need.

READ MORE Thousands without power in Leitrim as storm Éowyn strikes