NECG Coordinates Major Recovery Efforts Following Storm Éowyn

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met again today (Thursday) to oversee the continued restoration of power, water, telecommunications, and essential services following the widespread damage caused by Storm Éowyn.

Supported by Government Departments and agencies, ESB Networks remains fully mobilised, working to reconnect homes, businesses, and essential services. While power has been restored to 756,000 homes, farms, schools, and businesses, around 12,000 customers remain without electricity.

Power Restoration Progress

ESB Networks continues to deploy all available resources to expedite power restoration. However, in areas with extensive damage, some customers may experience fluctuations in their estimated restoration times, potentially into the weekend. The latest updates are available on www.PowerCheck.ie.

To support these efforts, highly skilled technicians from Austria, Finland, France, Great Britain, Germany, and Norway are assisting local ESB Networks crews. More than 2,500 field technicians and 1,300 support staff are involved in damage assessment, emergency response, logistics, and network operations. ESB Networks’ customer contact centre has also doubled its resources to handle the unprecedented volume of calls, ensuring swift response times.

Water and Telecommunications

Uisce Éireann is nearing full restoration of water services, with only a few customers still awaiting reconnection. Updates are available on www.water.ie or by calling 1800 278 278.

Telecommunications providers have restored services to the majority of customers, though 0.46% of fixed service usersand 1.82% of mobile service users continue to experience issues. Operators warn that some rural areas in the north and west could take weeks to fully restore due to severe infrastructure damage.

EU Assistance and Emergency Generators

Following Ireland’s request under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Poland and Denmark have supplied large-capacity generators to assist with power, water, and telecommunications recovery. The following generators have been deployed to Uisce Éireann and telecom infrastructure:

• 10 x 27.5 kVA generators (Poland)
• 2 x 512 kVA generators (Poland)
• 1 x 100 kVA generator (Denmark)
• 3 x 150 kVA generators (Denmark)

Local Emergency Response

Local authorities have 12 active Local Coordination Groups managing humanitarian assistance for affected communities. Emergency Response Hubs have been reduced from 380 to 252 but continue to offer water, hot food, phone charging, broadband access, and shower facilities. The highest number of hubs remain in Mayo (44), Roscommon (37), and Galway County (34). A full list of operational hubs is available at www.gov.ie/stormresponse.

Humanitarian Assistance Scheme

The Humanitarian Assistance emergency financial payment is available for affected homeowners who have lost power or water. Immediate non-means-tested payments cover essentials like food, clothing, and temporary accommodation. Further income-tested support is available for damaged property repairs. Those in need can contact their local Community Welfare Service via gov.ie.

Education and CAO Deadline

All schools have reopened, either with restored power or through temporary generators. However, short power interruptions may occur as ESB Networks continues repairs.

For students impacted by the storm, the CAO exceptional application facility remains open until 5 pm today (6th February) at www.cao.ie.

Public Safety and Scam Warnings

Authorities urge the public to remain cautious around fallen power lines and never approach or touch them. Report any damage to ESB Networks at 1800 372 999.

The National Cyber Security Centre has detected scam texts impersonating ESB Networks. People should never share personal or banking details and report suspicious messages. If targeted, report the incident to An Garda Síochána.

Healthcare and Medical Device Users

The HSE advises people reliant on electronically powered medical devices to:

• Contact ESB Networks (1800 372 757) for reconnection updates.
• Seek alternative locations for charging or power.
• Ensure backup power options are available.
• Contact a GP or hospital if medical concerns arise.

More health service updates are available at www2.hse.ie/services/disruptions.

Farm and Forestry Safety

Farmers are urged to exercise extreme caution when repairing storm damage or removing fallen trees. Any downed power lines should be reported to ESB Networks immediately.

A Forestry Taskforce has been established to assess storm damage and provide guidance to forest owners. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, along with Coillte, is conducting damage assessments using satellite imagery.

Ongoing Coordination

The NECG will reconvene tomorrow to assess further developments. Relevant subgroups are continuing their efforts to restore services and provide emergency assistance.

For more information and regular updates, visit www.gov.ie/stormresponse.