90 fallen trees removed from Laois roads during Storm Darragh

Up to 90 trees that fell on Laois roads during Storm Darragh last weekend were cleared by Laois County Council’s Fire and Emergency Services and Roads Crews.

The storm which had a Met Éireann Status Orange Wind warning in Laois, blasted the county from Friday night into Saturday, knocking a huge number of trees down and causing widespread electricity outages across the county. Some premises still have no power by Monday.

Laois County Council Director of Services Simon Walton gave an update to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on Monday, December 9.

A tree and powerline blocking the R419 Portlaoise to Portarlington Road on Saturday, December 7.

"Laois County Council’s Fire and Emergency Services and Roads Crews dealt with 80 to 90 fallen trees over the weekend, at locations across the entire County.

"The irregular wind direction, associated with Storm Darragh, also gave rise to significant levels of debris from trees which, as required, will be tidied over the coming days.

"There are also a number of public lights out arising from the Storm and, in the first instance, lighting services will be reinstated over the coming days, in line with ESB’s reintroduction of electricity supply services. Any other public lighting issues arising will be addressed thereafter.

"Other than that, there is some minor damage to other public infrastructure, street furniture etc," Mr Walton said.

He thanked the workers who braved the storm.

"In my role as Director of Services, I want to acknowledge the significant efforts made before and during the weekend, starting with the Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team, who monitored conditions and likely impacts from the middle of last week until Sunday afternoon.

"In particular, I want to thank and to acknowledge the very positive, pro-active and responsive role played by all eight Stations of our Fire and Emergency Services. Similarly, our Roads Crews provided a sterling response, ensuring that roads remained open, safe and passable, on a very busy, and important weekend for businesses, in the lead-in to Christmas.

"Finally, thanks also to local media outlets who support us in the distribution of information, supporting the effort to ensure that people’s safety is first and foremost and that the inevitable disruption Storms like this bring, is minimised and effectively managed," the Laois County Council director said.