The Government is being criticised for only requesting 'storm-assistance' from Europe yesterday.
Midlands North-West MEP Ciarán Mullooly has said that this is despite the European Commissioner for Crisis Management first offering help last Wednesday.
The Independent Ireland rep has said we need to push ahead urgently with the EU's offer to provide large-generator capacity to get water up and running to half a million homes.
“This could have been done last Wednesday,” he said.
“We need the Government to act quickly, to get the generators in, so that Irish Water can keep the reservoirs working; keep the pumping in the water going on.
“This could be done with new generators; it must be done to alleviate the problems people are experiencing.
“We need urgent action.”
From Dublin Fire Brigade: Dolphin's Barn firefighters have been called to the Harold's Cross Road after scaffolding collapsed. The road is completely blocked. Photograph: @DubFireBrigade. 24/01/2025Commissioner Hadja Lahbib confirmed in a message to Mr Mullooly that the European Commission had been in contact with the Irish Government since the 22nd of January.
However, it was only yesterday afternoon that Ireland decided to request the activation of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism specifically for a large mobile generator capacity.
Main image: 25/01/2025 ESB Networks crews and partner contractors pictured on site near Dunmanway in West Cork during restoration works in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.
Picture: Michael O'Sullivan /OSM
