People are freezing in their homes - Fitz calls for whole of Govt. Response

Michael Fitzmaurice TD has called for a comprehensive, whole-of-government emergency response to address the widespread devastation caused by Storm Éowyn. Thousands of homes across the country, particularly in the West of Ireland, remain without power and water, and Fitzmaurice has urged for urgent government action to support those in need.

“People who are solely reliant on electricity are freezing in their homes,” said Fitzmaurice. “We are facing a situation where people's health is at risk, and immediate intervention is required. This is not the time for delay. It is critical that we take urgent action to provide immediate relief to those affected by this storm.”

Fitzmaurice emphasized the extensive work already being done by local communities, with farmers and residents using tractors and diggers to clear roads and source generators to pump water to affected areas. However, he stressed that decisions must be made rapidly by the government to prevent further harm and hardship.

Fitzmaurice commended the tireless efforts of the emergency services, Electric Ireland, and local communities who have been working around the clock to clear roads, restore power, and assist those in need.

In his call for a comprehensive emergency response, Fitzmaurice outlined several immediate actions that must be taken:

Remove the Means Test for Humanitarian Assistance Scheme: Fitzmaurice has called for the immediate removal of the means test for the humanitarian assistance scheme for those affected by the storm. Many who urgently need help may not qualify for support due to income or asset criteria, and the government must act swiftly to ensure those in need are assisted without unnecessary barriers. People who are employed are as affected by the damage just as much as those who are not and a means test in such a crisis should not be a prerequisite for assistance.

Grant funded System to Install Generators Across Ireland: Fitzmaurice has proposed that the government fund a project to deliver and install generators for homeowners across the country, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities. He called for qualified electricians to be deployed to ensure the safety of installations and avoid risks like power surges. Backup power is a necessity and the government should be in a position to provide it.

Agriculture

"Our farming community needs urgent support"

Deputy Fitzmaurice outlined a number of urgent measures that must be introduced to help support our agricultural sector which has been particularly badly affected:

Agricultural Support Fund: Fitzmaurice has called for an emergency fund to support farmers whose sheds have been damaged by the storm. Many of these structures, where livestock and feed were stored, were not insured due to their age. Fitzmaurice has also urged farmers to seek advice if their livestock has been without water for extended periods, as it could cause serious health issues for the animals.

Suspension of all department of Agriculture and bord bia inspections for a period of at least one month

TAMS Grant scheme for generators for farmers.

All  ACRES and environmental schemes inspections  deferred  for 6 months to give farmers  a chance to repair  damaged fences ,walls and fallen trees

Extend online schemes such as sheep census due to lack of internet and broadband coverage in many areas.

Forestry Decimated: Fitzmaurice outlined the destruction caused to forestry where it has been suggested that up to 40% of forestry has been destroyed across the country.   "Farmers who have planted forestry on their land are facing a massive crisis - the government must step in and support these farmers.  An expediated system akin to the Welsh system should be used for cutting windblown forestry"

Irish Water have comprehensively failed to manage the aftermath and "heads must roll"

Fitzmaurice was scathing in his analysis of the handling of the storms aftermath by Irish Water:  "I have spoken to many good people on the ground in Irish Water and others in Middle Management who are doing their best but the failure to properly prepare for this disaster gives the impression that many are running around like headless chickens not knowing what to do or how to do it." he said

"All of this could have been prevented had the Government and Irish Water had the foresight to take a few simple steps like ensuring there were generators available at the main pumping stations and smaller generators at booster pumps.

"There has been plenty of advance notice, we have warnings since last Wednesday that this was to be a storm unlike any other and still here we are hundreds of thousands without water, power and heat"

"When we look at so many without water and how we currently deliver water, we must ask, is bigger always better ?":

DBO Schemes:

The Roscommon Galway TD also raised issue with the actions of some DBO contractors stating "Some DBO's are taking responsibility and acting responsibly but I have been told of contractors who are sitting on their hands in relation to bringing in generators, again this is an unacceptable situation that must be addressed when we have had time to assess what went wrong here and what needs to change to prevent these issues occurring again.

Support Group Water Schemes: Fitzmaurice has called on the government to fully fund and deploy generators to assist group water schemes, particularly in rural areas.

"Group water schemes around the country are working around the clock to source generators from anywhere they can be found to try to restore water to people.  They are doing it on their own and without government support and it is simply not good enough."

"Failure to prepare is the main issue at hand"

Fitzmaurice continued "There needs to be a forensic review of what went wrong here, yes it was a bad storm and yes, storms happen but it's the failure to adequately prepare and react to what has happened that has been so concerning.

"Fallen Trees causing 95% of the problems"

Fitzmaurice outlined that "95% of the problems we are facing have been caused by fallen trees, we must make Rapid Action on tree cutting to prevent this happening again"

Storm Éowyn caused widespread damage due to trees falling on power lines, roads, and communication cables. Fitzmaurice has reiterated his call for a permanent law requiring that any tree within 30 meters of a road or power cable be cut down.

"The destruction caused by trees during this storm has decimated the broadband infrastructure, potentially costing hundreds of millions, and it is clear that such measures are urgently needed to prevent further devastation." he said

Rethink of Air to Water and protecting the most vulnerable

Air-to-Water Review: Fitzmaurice has urged the government to review the air-to-water heating systems in homes that rely solely on electricity. Many of these homes are without heat, and the situation is critical for the elderly and vulnerable people who need immediate warmth.

Open More Hubs for Vulnerable Populations: The Deputy has called for the immediate establishment of more hubs for people, especially the elderly, to access heat, warmth, and necessary support services. These  additional hubs will provide a lifeline to many who are suffering in isolation

Communications Issues a Major Concern:

"We must be cognisant of the damage and financial loss to small business owners and the impact on communications in general, many have been without phone services, internet or email" said Fitzmaurice.

"The phone and broadband companies need to look at generators for backup power and a government scheme to assist businesses impacted should also be considered.  This evening I have travelled through Glennamaddy, Ballyhaunis, Athlone, Roscommon and Charlestown, the signal is non-existent in most areas.  Well before the storm I have been raising the issue of poor coverage in this area and have had contact with Vodafone previously as the signal is nothing short of disgraceful."

Broadband concerns

Fitzmaurice pointed to an issue he has raised in the Dail "NBI receive hundreds of millions in state funding and are responsible for ensuring that broadband cables clear hedgerows, frankly they do the bare minimum and are cutting hedges back a maximum of 12 inches from cables - it is a disgrace what they are getting away with"

In Conclusion

“The government must act now to ensure that no one is left behind and that the country can begin to rebuild from this storm.  I am grateful that many in this area have had the turf to keep warm, many others are not so lucky”

"Now is the time to Regulate, Re-think and Re-eavaluate how we are going to move forward.  It is time for action and time for common sense."  Fitzmaurice concluded.