Public in need of help after Storm Éowyn urged to contact Laois community response helpline

Laois County Council has opened a Community Response Support Helpline for those who need support in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.

The Council's Local Coordination Group met on Sunday morning and continues to liaise with An Garda Siochana and key agencies."In response to the emerging humanitarian need, the Community Response Support Helpline is available to assist on 057 868 9301 until 7.00pm today Sunday 26.01.2025 and from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Monday 27.01.2025," said a spokesperson for the Council. 

"The public can also email incidents@laoiscoco.ie for support. Emergency calls should be directed to 999 or 112, in the normal way. Laois County Council will continue to liaise with the community based response initiatives such as are in operation in Shanahoe and Mountrath.

"Laois County Council have been advised that Bloom HQ, Mountrath will be open from 8.30am on Monday 27.01.2025 for any member of the public to charge devices and tea/coffee."

There are still power outages across the county with Portarlington the worst after. There are almost 400 homes and businesses without power in the Portarlington area. There are also outages in Mountrath, Borris-in-Ossory and Ballyfin. 

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met today (Sunday) and continues to ensure all efforts are made to restore power, water, telecommunications and other services to homes, farms and businesses following Storm Éowyn.

Keith Leonard, Chair of the NECG said: “The ESB continues to make a huge effort to restore power to those still affected by Storm Éowyn. The damage and disruption to our infrastructure network was unprecedented and the scale of the challenge towards recovery is significant. While all available resources are being used to restore power and services as fast as possible, many people may unfortunately be waiting several days before normality returns.  
 
“For those still awaiting a restoration of power, the National Emergency Co-ordination Group is helping Local Authorities to co-ordinate the humanitarian response at a local level, with efforts being made to provide support, assistance and facilities for those who have been significantly impacted, with the needs of the most vulnerable being prioritised. We remain focused on providing cross-Government support to these recovery efforts – making sure that any organisation that can help is available to do so."