Local authority sets up safe harbours for severe weather

AS COMMUNITIES across the county prepare for the winter season, Carlow Co Council has drawn up plans to help people cope with severe weather conditions.

They’ve set up nine centres across the county which will act as safe harbours in the event of severe weather conditions or other emergencies.

A designated support centre, such as Myshall Community Hall, is a local building that can be activated during emergencies to support affected communities. The centres will provide a safe, welcoming space where people can access practical services, receive reliable information and connect with others during periods of disruption. Local residents will also have access to food and refreshments, phone charging facilities, washing facilities and wi-fi and internet connectivity.

The centres will act as information hubs too, providing updates on public health advice, social welfare supports and other assistance schemes available during emergencies.

The council held a pilot exercise earlier in September in Myshall to trial emergency communications developed by Vodafone. The company developed the system in response to the challenges experienced during Storm Éowyn.

The Vodafone system provides a rapidly deployable, independent communications network capable of delivering wi-fi and mobile telephone coverage in areas affected by major emergencies.

Representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Vodafone, Carlow Co Council and the local community attended the launch of the scheme in Myshall.

The trial, which was successful, was a collaboration between national agencies, local authorities, telecommunications providers and the local community.

Theresa Butler, chairperson of Myshall Community Centre, said: “The recent storms reminded us how important community connections are. While we can't prevent severe weather, we can be prepared for it. Local volunteers are proud to play their part in creating a safe and welcoming place where neighbours can come together, access support and know that they are not facing challenges alone."

The centres are operated by local volunteers from the organisations that own or manage the buildings, with support from the council.

There are nine designated community support centres located in Myshall, Ballymurphy, Bagenalstown, Hacketstown, Tullow, Ballinabranna, Tinryland and two locations in Carlow town, St Fiacc’s hall and O’Hanrahan’s GFC.

Throughout September and October, volunteers in each of the nine designated community support centres will receive specialist training covering activation procedures, volunteer roles and responsibilities and emergency preparedness requirements.

For further information, contact 059 9172475 or communitysupportcentres@carlowcoco.ie.