Laois gets storm ready with emergency generators for power outages

Four new generators will be purchased in Laois to support the county in case of emergencies caused by severe weather events.

Many parts of Laois have experienced widespread power outages in recent months due to storms, with over 1,000 people impacted by outages from Storm Bram in December.

During Storm Bram, over 800 people in Abbeyleix alone faced power outages. Portarlington, Timahoe, and Mountmellick were also effected.

A number of Community Support Centres were identified in the county by the Laois PPN at the end of last year. These centres will be requested to activate in the event of a severe weather event causing power outages or other emergencies.

Designated centres include Shanahoe Community Centre, the Irish Wheelchair Association centre in Portlaoise, The Rambling House Community Centre, The Rock GAA Club, Castletown Community Centre, Treo Nua & Portlaoise Family Resource Centre, St. Fintan's GAA Club and O'Dempsey's GAA Club. 

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Now, Laois County Council has been awarded funding to purchase four new generators which will be held centrally and used at designated Community Support Centres when activated. 

A multi disciplinary team will work together to fit each centre where appropriate, with a change over switch to accommodate the use of a generator during a power outage. 

In the event of severe weather, Laois County Council also have a guide available which includes relevant contact numbers for emergencies and advice on how best to prepare for bad weather and power outages. 

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