A North Clare village’s residents are arguing the response to the destruction of Storm Éowyn has once again proven that the area has no political representation.
Many in Tubber are into their seventh day without power or water as locals are banding together to provide support to those worst affected.
Straddling the Clare and Galway border with a population numbering just several hundred people, Tubber has long been a place which many have argued has slipped through the cracks.
Located within the Burren National Park, the village is more exposed to the elements than the majority of settlements in Clare and locals felt the full effect of this as Storm Éowyn raged last week.
Suzanne O’Connor of Conor Engineering Limited says the storm’s impact has been far-reaching and local representatives don’t appear to be particularly concerned.
A community hub has been set up in the grounds of Tubber GAA and Camogie Club where those without electricity and power are free to come and avail of hot showers, electricity, water and cups of tea or coffee.
Niamh Baker of the Burren Inn says the close-knit nature of the community has been a saving grace.
Although Tubber as a whole encompasses the townlands within an almost five kilometre radius, the area has no elected councillor, TD or senator.
To complicate matters further, the village is the responsibility of both Clare and Galway County Council due to its being located on the border.
Local man Tom says regular people like him are forced to clear fallen branches and trees in times of extreme weather as neither local authority comes to the community’s aid.
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