Storm Éowyn clean up commences in Laois as parts of N80 remain impassable

Laois has taken a severe battering at the hands of Storm Éowyn which is still being felt in the county where a Status Yellow Wind Warning remains till 4pm. 

The storm took down trees and powerlines across the county leaving an estimated 15,000 homes and businesses without power. Mountmellick, Portarlington, Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Mountrath, Timahoe and many rural areas suffered power outages. 

The record breaking winds resulted in 715,000 homes and business across Ireland losing power. The repair work is expected to take more than a week. 

Gardaí are urging people to exercise extreme caution if they do venture out as there is debris and downed trees and potentially powerlines across the county. 

“We would still be urging people to be cautious of debris on the ground and the potential for stuff that was damaged or dislodged to come down,” a senior garda said.

Laois County Council said its Severe Weather Team has been busy. "We have had a significant volume of calls with a significant amount of interaction and follow-up for each call.  We have five staff in county hall and five staff remotely monitoring the emergency line."

In its lates update just before midday, Laois County Council also urged people not to make unnecessary journeys as crews get to work clearing the damage from  Storm Éowyn. 

The Council said crews are now responding to storm damage across the county. 

The said the N80 from Stradbally to Portlaoise is now open, but other blockages remain on the N80.

“We are strongly advising the public not to make unnecessary journeys,” the Council said in its latest storm update. 

“Aside from the dangers of fallen trees, power cables and telecoms infrastructure, there will be a lot of debris on roads and footpaths.

There will be multiple hazards on streets, roads and footpaths and the public is asked to report any incidents to the Council’s Emergency Hotline Number 1800 832010. Emergency calls should be directed to 999 or 112, in the normal way,” the Council said. 

Meanwhile, the Health and Safety Authority(HSA) has issued a statement in the wake of the storm. 

 As Storm Éowyn passes through the country and clean-up operations get underway, the  HSA is urging that the immediate clean-up operation be left with the emergency services and professional operators who have the necessary competence to undertake the work safely.

Chainsaws are essential equipment for removing fallen trees and branches, but there are serious dangers associated with their use. While well-intentioned members of the public may be tempted to help, the HSA strongly advises that only trained and competent operators equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) handle chainsaws.

According to Chief Inspector with the HSA, Mark Cullen: “If you don’t have the proper training or equipment to safely use a chainsaw, don’t take the risk and instead engage with emergency and professional services. Farmers in particular may be tempted to deal with fallen trees on their land or on adjoining roads. Personal safety must be the main priority and I strongly urge only those with the necessary skills to undertake work with chainsaws”.

Key recommendations in relation to chainsaw use include:

* Only those with the necessary training should handle a chainsaw.

* Conduct a risk assessment before starting any chainsaw work.

* Wear the essential protective gear such as helmets, eye protection, specialist chainsaw gloves and leg protection, and steel-toe boots.

* Ensure the chainsaw is properly maintained, including functioning chain brakes and sharp blades.

* Avoid working alone or in hazardous weather conditions.

Storm-damaged and fallen trees often involve additional dangers, such as tensioned branches or interaction with live electrical cables. The HSA emphasises:

* Do not attempt to clear or approach fallen trees that are entangled with power lines.

* Assume all cables are live and report to ESB Networks on 1800 372 999.

In addition, clean-up work often involves working at height, such as clearing debris from roofs or elevated structures. The HSA urges workers to:

* Avoid work at height during high winds or adverse weather conditions.

* Use proper fall protection equipment, including harnesses and lanyards.

* Ensure ladders and equipment are secure and placed on stable surfaces.

* Avoid overreaching or overloading ladders, and have a spotter present whenever possible.

* Engage qualified professionals for tasks involving complex or hazardous heights.

Copies of 'Guidance on Safe Use of Chainsaws' and lots of other useful information can be downloaded from the HSA website at www.hsa.ie.