Co Carlow managed to avoid the worst of Storm Éowyn
A fallen tree straddles a path at Duckett's Grove in the wake of Storm Éowyn Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
CARLOW County Council set up a severe weather control centre in response to on Friday while staff worked tirelessly to help the public deal with its aftermath.
The control centre co-ordinated council staff as well as linking up with services such as ESB Networks, An Garda Síochána and Uisce Éireann. The local authority also set up an emergency helpline, which was in operation throughout Friday.
Director of services Pádraig O’Gorman told that the emergency hotline received 25 calls, which were mainly about reports of fallen trees and power outages.
Seventeen of the calls were about fallen trees over power lines or blocking roads, while damage was also done to trees at Carlow Town Park, Duckett’s Grove and Oak Park. Oak Park Forest Park will remain closed for another few days as fallen trees and debris are cleared and the woods are assessed for further damage.
Around 4,000 homes and businesses suffered power black outs, with the ESB repairing the damage on Friday in areas such as Graigueucullen, Ballinabranna and Old Leighlin while later in the weekend reaching Kildavin, Nurney and Tullow. According to ESB Networks, power was due to be restored to the last of the houses in the Tullow area yesterday, Monday, evening.
Gardaí and the fire brigade attended the scene of a single-vehicle traffic accident in Ballon, when a car hit an ESB pole on Friday morning just as the storm was picking up speed, but the driver had left the scene when they got there.
Fortunately, the council has reported no major casualties in the county as a result of and later .
“Fortunately, we weren’t as badly hit as other areas and we were well prepared so that went a long way to allay people’s fears. I’d like to thank all of our staff who come in at irregular hours and who gave their services to help people.” Chief executive Coilín O’Reilly is now co-ordinating the community response for the areas worst hit in the west, southwest and midlands and has compiled a list of staff which may be of help in the stricken counties.
Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather worked over the weekend, keeping Ireland updated with forecasts. He said that one of the most remarkable aspects about the storm was sea salt being deposited by the high winds in Co Carlow.
“It’s a long way from Carlow to the sea! That really surprised people,” said Alan.
