It’s claimed that while significant work has been done to strengthen Clare’s preparedness for winter storms, further improvements are still needed.
It follows two separate motions at this month’s meeting of Clare County Council, calling for a review of the county’s ability to cope with named storms.
Clare is said to have a ‘very robust’ system in place, informed by the lessons learned in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.
Hurricane-force winds battered the county during the red weather alert in January 2025, leaving an unprecedented 40,000 homes and businesses without power in this county.
Clare County Council has confirmed 34 Community Support Centres have been approved countywide, which will open in the event of emergency where there is a risk people will be without power for a significant period.
Of these, electrical consultants have deemed 31 as suitable for generator changeover switches, while just 23 have received Departmental approval to proceed with necessary electrical works.
Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says a map of each location needs to be provided, to ensure there are no gaps in support services anywhere in Clare.
Clare County Council says it will continue to liaise with relevant agencies and utilities to ensure comprehensive emergency management procedures are in place.
The local authority says clear lines of communications and resource mobilisation procedures are in place, in line with the national Major Emergency Management Framework.
The ‘Be Winter Ready’ leaflet is currently available on the council website and is also due to be distributed to homes around the county in the near future.
Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says communicating the steps people should take in emergency is a vital step forward.
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