Farm families are “struggling to meet basic needs” as the cleanup from Storm Éowyn is continuing almost a week after the storm struck Ireland.
Teresa Roche, the farm family and social affairs chairperson of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), said that she has “deep concern” about the impact on farm families, with many rural households still without power and water, creating significant challenges for daily life and farm operations.
“The loss of power and water has disrupted farming activity and left many households struggling to manage basic needs,” she said.
“This is particularly hard on families with young children and elderly members.
Roche called on people in rural areas to check in on their neighbours to ensure they are safe and have support during this challenging time.
“A simple call or visit could make a huge differences, especially for vulnerable households,” she said.
The IFA official also called on local authorities and service providers to prioritise restoring essential services as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“We understand the scale of the damage caused by the storm, but it’s critical that efforts to restore power and water are carried out with urgency.
Roche highlighted that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to assist households facing financial hardship due to storm-related damage.
The scheme provides support for families as they navigate the recovery process.
“I encourage all eligible households to avail of this assistance,” Roche said.
“Storm Éowyn has reminded us of the resilience and strength of our rural communities. By working together and supporting one another, we can get through this challenging time,” Roche added.
Power supply update
ESB Networks has confirmed that, as of this morning, there are 108,000 homes, farms and businesses awaiting the return of electrical supply as of this morning (Thursday, January 30), following Storm Éowyn.
This is down from the peak of 768,000 premises immediately after the storm passed. Some 660,000 of those have now had their power supply restored.
ESB Networks has reiterated its warning that, with many faults still on the line, any one coming across fallen lines or damaged electricity infrastructure should never, ever touch these, as they are live and extremely dangerous.
Windblow taskforce set up after storm
Meanwhile, the “needs of owners” will play a central role in a new forest windblow taskforce that has been set up, according to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, and Minister of State for forestry Michael Healy-Rae, have said that they had invited “key stakeholders” to join department officials on the taskforce to ensure that storm-damaged forests are “managed safely and appropriately”.
No details of who these key stakeholders may be were released by the ministers.
However, the department outlined that the taskforce “will comprise stakeholders representing forest owners, forestry companies, Teagasc and Coillte”.