Independent Ireland TDs Raise Concerns With Senior ESB Executives Over Storm Recovery Operations While Commending ESB Staff on the Ground

Monday, 3rd February 2025

Independent Ireland TDs Raise Concerns With Senior ESB Executives Over Storm Recovery Operations While Commending ESB Staff on the Ground

Independent Ireland TDs met with senior ESB Networks executives to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts following recent storm damage, which at its peak left 768,000 customers without power. While acknowledging the extraordinary efforts of ESB crews and contractors working around the clock to restore electricity, the TDs raised significant concerns regarding response times, communication failures, and the need for systemic improvements to avoid similar delays in the future.

The meeting highlighted key challenges, including high winds exceeding 180 km/h in western regions, extensive damage to the high-voltage network, and the impact of forestry damage on infrastructure. ESB Networks deployed 3,000 staff, including 1,000 electrical contractors and 500 specialists from Austria, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, alongside additional reinforcements arriving from Northern Ireland. There has also been a huge amount of work done by management and ESB staff that have been drafted in by other counties to assist with the worst affected areas. Despite these efforts, Independent Ireland TDs stressed that delays in restoration, particularly for vulnerable customers and isolated rural communities is a major concern.

Key Issues Raised by Independent Ireland TDs:

• Lack of Clear Communication: Many customers have had their estimated restoration times changed up to five times, causing frustration and preventing them from making necessary preparations. Accurate and realistic timelines must be provided.

• Vulnerable Customers Left Behind: The lack of an effective, up-to-date register for vulnerable customers meant that some medically dependent individuals were left without power or assistance. This system must be urgently reformed in collaboration with the HSE.

• Delayed Response in Rural Areas: While ESB prioritized restoring power to larger population centers, some rural communities were left without any assistance for extended periods, including elderly individuals left in dangerous conditions.

• Failure to Utilize Local Assistance: Independent Ireland TDs highlighted that local contractors, farmers, and digger operators offered their equipment and expertise free of charge to help clear fallen trees and debris but were turned away due to bureaucracy. This was a missed opportunity to speed up restoration efforts.

Party Leader Michael Collins thanked the executives for the work being done by staff on the ground but called for priority to be placed on the most vulnerable of customers "We have not faced the devastation in West Cork that other parts of the country have experienced but I am aware of the struggles so many are going through in the West of Ireland and parts of the Midlands, we need to focus on recovery and addressing the gaps in our response, particularly in the area of the most vulnerable, our farming community and a serious look needs to be taken at the damage fallen trees have done in areas around the country as a result of this storm" 

TD Michael Fitzmaurice said "We want to acknowledge and sincerely thank the thousands of workers who have put in immense effort to restore power to homes and businesses across the country. Their commitment has not gone unnoticed, and they deserve our utmost respect for their work on the ground but we have vulnerable people still without power and we need to help these people - In my opinion, a national emergency should have been called to address the very serious issues people are facing, particularly in the West of Ireland"

TD Ken O'Flynn raised the concern he and the other Independent Ireland TDs share about the news today that the CEO of ESB Networks warned that costs will increase for customers in future because of the aftermath of Storm Éowyn. "My major concern is that people who are already struggling will be facing more price hikes as a result of this storm, with the amount of people struggling, any increase would rub salt in the wounds"

Commendation for ESB Staff on the Ground

Despite these challenges, Independent Ireland TDs praised the dedication and resilience of ESB crews and contractors who have worked tirelessly, morning, noon, and night, in treacherous conditions.

However, systemic issues with coordination, resource allocation, and communication need urgent attention. Independent Ireland TDs are calling for:

• A review of forestry management to assess its impact on infrastructure damage.

• A clear, transparent strategy for prioritizing vulnerable customers in future storm responses.

• Better logistical planning to prevent unnecessary delays in equipment and external support.

• A mechanism to involve local skilled volunteers in emergency situations where appropriate.

With 25,000 customers still without power, Independent Ireland TDs are urging ESB Networks to provide clear and honest restoration timelines to affected households and ensure much needed improvements are implemented as a result of this crisis.