Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the Government’s consideration today of the review of Ireland’s coordinated response to Storm Éowyn and the publication of ESB Networks’ Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan.

Minister Canney said the review confirms that Ireland’s national response system worked effectively and that major steps are now being taken to strengthen resilience for the winter ahead.

“Storm Éowyn was one of the most destructive storms ever to hit Ireland, leaving over 760,000 homes, farms and businesses without power,” Minister Canney said. “The Government’s review shows that strong lessons have been learned – from faster emergency coordination to a more robust and resilient electricity network.”

The activation of Emergency Hubs during Storm Éowyn enabled some basic humanitarian assistance to be provided, working with local communities and voluntary organisations. Following the review, the concept of an Emergency Hub has been formalised as Community Support Centres. Community Support Centres will provide emergency power, heating and communications during severe weather. These centres are delivered by local and voluntary groups, supported by local authorities. The Department of Rural and Community Development is procuring mobile generators for deployment to the centres, while new agreements with forestry and agricultural contractors will enable rapid road and debris clearance.

The Department of Social Protection and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (with Red Cross) schemes provide humanitarian support when severe weather emergencies occur.

An Energy Sector Group under the Office for Emergency Planning is coordinating resilience across electricity, gas, water and communications. Legislative work is also underway to strengthen ESB Networks’ powers for vegetation management and the creation of forestry corridors to reduce storm damage.

ESB Networks’ Winter 2025 Plan focuses on the counties worst affected by recent storms, including Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, with large-scale vegetation clearance, new composite poles, expanded repair crews and mutual aid agreements with European utilities.

“These combined measures will make a real difference in protecting homes, farms and essential services across the West this winter,” Minister Canney said.