'There will be, no doubt, more storms and more power outages' - Leitrim councillor

"There will be, no doubt, more storms and more power outages," Cllr Gary Prior told a meeting this week. 

He was speaking after it was revealed that, pending the arrival of three generators, Leitrim County Council has secured funding to hire two temporary generators, a meeting was told this week in Ballinamore.

Cllr Prior had asked Leitrim County Council for "a clear commitment that, in the event of a widespread power outage in this area, the Council will arrange for the hire and provision of power generators to designated community hubs while we await the delivery of the generators promised by government."

The response said that provision of standby generators to designated community hubs is a national commitment being led by Government, and we continue to engage with the relevant Departments on the expected delivery timelines. Pending the arrival of three generators, Leitrim County Council has secured funding for the provision of hire two temporary generators.

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It concluded that additional generators will be hired if necessary "but it must be noted that this depends on supplier capacity during severe weather or regional events, when demand may be high."

Cllr Prior welcomed the news stating "we avoided a potential outage a week ago with Strom Bram". 

David Minton, director of services, said that "preferred sites" for the community hubs have been selected and it was ensured that each site had toilet facilities, community areas, showers etc. 

The hub in Ballinamore is The Den. 

Mr Minton said that community hubs were selected due to a number of factors such as "there needed to be a large hall, tables and chairs, premises should accommodate those with mobility issues, a kitchen area, access to toilets and washing facilities wifi services" etc.