‘We would be unforgiven’: Urgent calls for future storm plans in Leitrim

Storm Éowyn was more severe than many had anticipated, leaving some areas of Leitrim without power and water for weeks.

While emergency crews, including the ESB and Council, responded as quickly as possible, the storm highlighted the need for greater preparation to support those affected.

Community support hubs played a vital role in assisting those in need, and in retrospect, it is clear that their efforts were among the most crucial and effective responses for the people of Leitrim.

Councillors in the Ballinamore Municipal District, the area hit hardest by the storm, are now calling for improved preparedness and a more structured response plan to alleviate the impact of future storms.

Cllr Gary Prior has urged Leitrim County Council to collaborate with representatives from Carrigallen GAA, Ballinamore Island Theatre and a Drumshanbo base to develop a structured plan that ensures these community hubs are equipped and supported to serve the public in future emergencies.

“This could include access to backup power generators, communication resources and logistical support to enhance their ability to assist residents effectively,” Cllr Prior said.

“By putting a working plan in place, we can strengthen community resilience and ensure that essential services are available when most needed.”

He also emphasised the importance of recognising the dedication and efforts of community volunteers.

In response to Cllr Prior’s motion, the Council explained that the issue of community resilience regarding community hubs is something that needs to be addressed at a national level.

Storm support groups in Leitrim deserve full reimbursement, says councillor

Cllr Róisín Kenny has urged Leitrim County Council to call on the Government to fully reimburse the diverse community support groups that provided essential aid during Storm Éowyn.

If a national initiative, including funding, is introduced as a result of ongoing reviews related to the impact of Storm Éowyn, the Council will work with community groups to implement and support such initiatives.

Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn then proposed a similar motion calling on Leitrim County Council to designate The Island Theatre in Ballinamore as a community hub within the county for use by people when affected by storms, acknowledging that such events are inevitable.

She also acknowledged the hard work of local volunteers.

The response to her motion mirrored that of Cllr Prior’s.

All members of Ballinamore Municipal District supported both motions.

“Now is the time to reflect on how things went and what didn’t go well,” Cllr Enda McGloin said.

“I don’t think any of us would be forgiven in a similar type of storm and if we didn’t have things in place next time.”

Cllr Paddy O’Rourke echoed this sentiment, saying, “Were the same to occur again, we’d simply have to be ready. There wasn’t time to have a coordinated response but we have to have it from going forward.”

Cllr Prior shared a comment from one woman at a public meeting in Ballinamore after the storm, who said she feared storms more than Covid.

“They’re very strong words and we would be unforgiven if we didn’t have a future plan in place,” he said.

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