The Taoiseach has said it is lucky nobody was killed during yesterday’s mini tornado in Leitrim.

On a visit to Leitrim town this afternoon, Leo Varadkar visited several local businesses and said supports for the town would be discussed at Cabinet tomorrow.

Videos shared on social media yesterday showed the tornado tearing through the area, with footage from the aftermath showing debris scattered around streets and significant damage to cars and houses.

It came after Storms Fergus and Elin, hit Ireland in the space of two days over the weekend.

"It's only when you see it do you appreciate the explosive force of a whirlwind."

Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar reflects on the damage to Leitrim village by Sunday's mini tornado. pic.twitter.com/SmpgOYvdBa

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) December 11, 2023

Speaking from the town this afternoon, the Taoiseach said he made the trip because he wanted to see the damage for himself.

“I really wanted to visit Leitrim village today to see the devastation and the damage caused by the tornado with my own eyes,” he said.

“I think it’s only when you really see it do you get an appreciation for the explosive force of a whirlwind, and that’s essentially what happened in this village yesterday.

“I really want to extend my particular thanks to [Leitrim County] Council and to all of the emergency staff, the fire service, civil defence, and everyone else who was on the scene to help out."

He added that power in Leitrim village will “be restored this evening”.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar meeting fire service personnel in Leitrim Village today. Credit: Ellen Butler

The Taoiseach said it's lucky that nobody was killed.

“I think in many ways we are blessed that nobody was seriously injured or killed, given the level of damage that was done considering the force of the wind that ripped through here,” he said.

Damage to a roof caused by yesterday's tornado in Leitrim Village.

He promised that a range of supports will be considered at tomorrow's Cabinet meeting.

“I will be going back to Dublin today, I'm at a Cabinet meeting tomorrow, where I’ll be very keen to put in place the support that the people in Leitrim here are going to need,” said the Taoiseach.

“That extends to businesses and it extends to households as some people had to move out of their homes last night.

“It also extends to public infrastructure, so we’ll put that together over the next couple of days and make sure people get the support they need.”

Some local business owners described the mini tornado as "like a bomb" had gone off in Leitrim village yesterday.

Main Image: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar meeting people in Leitrim Village earlier today. Credit: Ellen Butler