MEP calls on gov to accept EU aid as 246,000 still without power

Source: ESB Networks via X
Source: ESB Networks via X

An Irish MEP has called on the government to accept offers of storm aid from the EU, as 246,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power in the wake of Storm Éowyn.

Midlands - North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly said he "wants to see more urgency" from the government here on EU offers of assistance.

"The Irish government must do more to ensure we get much-needed aid from the EU to effectively address the ongoing emergency," he said.

Mullooly claimed that the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, had said that she offered emergency help to the Irish government last Wednesday (January 22) but only received a request to help for the first time on Saturday afternoon (January 25), for generator capacity and crews.

"I find this inexplicable. [Uisce Éireann] needs hundreds of generators to keep reservoirs open while waiting for the ESB to deal with unbelievable levels of damage. We desperately need those generators to maintain water and proper safety standards for half-a-million people," Mullooly said.

According to the Independent Ireland MEP, Ireland has requested large mobile generator capacity, and is currently defining the exact voltages and quantities the government needs to update its request.

Mullooly also said that Germany and Denmark already indicated that they want to make an offer but they are waiting for the technical specifications from Ireland in terms of what precisely is needed.

"I welcome the swift response from the European Commission in providing emergency reports, satellite mapping and endeavouring to mobilise vital resources such as mobile generators.

"However, given the scale of the challenges Ireland faces, it is imperative that the government requests further assistance, in a timely manner, to ensure all necessary supports are deployed without delay," Mullooly said.

"I call on the Government to closely monitor developments and assess additional needs as the situation evolves. The EU stands ready to provide support, and we must not hesitate to ask for it," he added.

Mullooly's comments come as ESB Networks confirmed that 246,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without electricity supply as of 7:00a.m this morning.

The ESB said that repair crews have renewed their efforts to restore power "from first light this morning".

The ESB has published estimated restoration times for most of its faults on the PowerCheck website, which are now the most accurate indications, based on fault site assessments, of when customers can expect to have their power restored.

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Estimated Restoration Times will continue to be updated as the restoration continues to progress, although weather conditions may impact on the restoration work.

The majority of customers will have power restored by Friday (January 31). However, it is expected that approximately 100,000 customers will progressively have their supply restored over the course of next week (i.e. the first week of February).

The ESB has said it has been made aware of several instances of potentially very dangerous incidents where members of the public have unknowingly approached fallen electricity infrastructure.

The ESB is urging members of the public to stay safe, stay clear of any fallen lines, and report any damage to 1800 372 999.

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