Four generators for Co. Leitrim available for severe storms

There was a call for an update on the provision of generators in the county at last week's meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District.

Cllr Paddy O'Rourke (FF) tabled a motion asking, “What is the position regarding the provision of generators to provide power in the event of a power outage as a result of storm?”

He also asked if the council were in contact with community centres and GAA clubs that had provided support during Storm Eowyn in early 2025.

“Has there been any increase in the number of generators being made available to the county given our experience in 2025?” the motion stated.

“Is contact being maintained with the community centres and club house committees who indicated their willingness to participate in a relief effort during a power outage, regarding their continued availability?” the motion added.

A written response from the council stated that “four generators were available for deployment as part of its emergency response resources.”

Speaking on his motion, Cllr O'Rourke stated that, “hopefully we don't need them, but these groups could be there for us if the need arises.”

Cllr Gary Prior (FF) “thanked the council for their work” on this issue and went on to state that “my local GAA club Aughnasheelin is a secondary hub in the event of power outage.”

“The preparedness is very welcome, because the community won't forgive us if we don't have this in order,” he added.

Council Director of Services David Minton told the meeting that “a Community Response Framework is in place and the generators will be employed in a strategic way.”

“We are working with community groups in relation to their role in the aftermath of a storm event, to help with thing such as phone charging and providing showers,” he added.

A written reply from the council stated, “Leitrim County Council continues to strengthen its preparedness and response capacity in relation to severe weather events and associated power outages, informed by the experience of storms in 2025 and subsequent national and regional reviews.”

“The council continues to work constructively with a network of community centres, GAA clubs and other voluntary facilities that have been nominated as potential support hubs during emergencies,” the reply added.

Cllr Gary Prior is chairman of Aughnasheelin GAA. Speaking to the Observer, he explained that the club have their own generator.

“The club secured LEADER funding to help to obtain a generator. During Storm Eowyn last year, there were parts of this area that were without power for 16 days,” he stated.

“South Leitrim is more heavily forested than North Leitrim and therefore more at risk of power outages. However, the council is in a much better place now to deal with outages,” he added.

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