The aftermath of Storm Éowyn saw machinery such as chainsaws hired out by people who had not done the proper training course, increasing the risk of injuries.

This is one reason why Galway County Council has launched a storm preparation guide ahead of any potential severe weather this winter.

Theresa Donohue, community support centre co-ordinator at the council said: "If farmers and volunteers could be encouraged to undertake this type of training, it would be useful in their community."

A network of 70 community support centres is available across the county to support communities during major emergencies.

The Galway County Council guide is designed to help households prepare for issues including prolonged electricity outages, travel disruption and interruptions to water and other essential services.

It also sets out the supports available to people when extreme weather causes significant disruption.

The Community Support Centre Network, which is primarily based in rural areas, was established in the wake of Storm Éowyn in January 2025.

It provides a structure through which the local authority can work with local communities when people are affected by major weather events.

Every centre has a large, heated space for people to gather, kitchen facilities for providing basic refreshments, toilets, first aid equipment, Wi-Fi, device-charging facilities, and a private room or additional space where required.

Many centres also provide additional facilities such as showers, car parking, generators, and accessible facilities.

Printed copies of the storm preparation guide, available in English, Irish and Ukrainian, are available at all 29 public library branches across Galway, the five municipal district offices and Áras an Chontae.

The guide is also available online.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Andrew Reddington, explained that the guide was designed so that people would know where to turn for support.

He said: “Preparation is key when facing a major weather event.

"This guide provides practical advice on preparing for power outages, travel disruption and other impacts, while also highlighting the supports available to people and communities.

Galway County Council chief executive, Liam Conneally, added that the local authority had an important role to play in assisting emergency services, community groups and other organisations to prepare for future weather emergencies.

He said: “I would urge households and businesses across the country to familiarise themselves with the key information in the storm preparation guide, as well as the range of supports and services available during emergency situations.

“Being prepared can make a significant difference when severe weather affects communities and essential services.”

Galway County Council director of services, Michael Owens, said households can take a number of simple steps to prepare for hazardous weather.

"We also encourage people to follow emergency advice, avoid unnecessary travel and prioritise their safety.

“I would also encourage people to register for the Council’s free MapAlerter service which provides important alerts during severe weather and can be particularly valuable for people living in isolated areas, older people and those living alone," Owens added.

Theresa Donohue said the county-wide Community Support Centre Network would play an important role in supporting communities during extreme weather events.

She said: “There were a lot of learnings from Storm Éowyn about how the local authority and communities can work together to better safeguard the safety and welfare of the public during weather emergencies.

“Our Community Support Centre Network is an important part of that approach and provides a structure through which communities can support people when there is significant disruption."

Meanwhile, Galway County Council is responsible for winter treatment of around 1,300km of roads across the county, about half of which are priority 1 and 2 routes, including strategic and mainly national roads.

Priority 1 and 2 routes are treated whenever frost is forecast while priority 3 routes, primarily regional roads, are treated during more severe weather.

The council aims to have morning treatments completed by 8:00a.m.

It said it has indoor storage capacity for around 3,600t of salt, with stocks replenished as required throughout the winter.