Providing Relief & Community Spirit: Kerry County Council Addresses Power Outages

Storm Éowyn left a trail of destruction across Kerry, plunging nearly 40,000 homes into darkness. In the face of this challenge, Kerry County Council stepped up, establishing emergency response hubs at GAA clubs throughout the county to provide vital support to residents.we spoke with Fiona O’Brien,Head of Emergency Services for Kerry County Council,to learn more about these invaluable initiatives.

Archyde: Fiona, can you tell us about the challenges Kerry is facing in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn?

Fiona O’Brien: Certainly. Storm Éowyn was a powerful storm that caused widespread damage across the county. The most significant impact has been the power outages affecting nearly 40,000 ESB customers, with almost 2,000 still without electricity this morning. It’s a challenging situation, especially for vulnerable individuals who rely on electricity for essential needs.

Archyde: How is Kerry County Council responding to these challenges?

Fiona O’Brien: We’ve been working tirelessly alongside ESB Networks to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.We understand the urgency and are providing all necessary support to ensure a swift resolution. Meanwhile, we’ve established emergency response hubs at various GAA clubs across the county to offer essential services to those impacted.

Archyde: Can you elaborate on these response hubs? What kind of services are being offered?

Fiona O’Brien: These hubs are open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily until power is fully restored. They provide a safe and welcoming space for people to access vital resources such as charging points for devices,hot meals,showers,and data regarding power restoration timelines. Additionally, they serve as a central point for coordination and support for those in need.

Archyde: These hubs are run by dedicated GAA volunteers. How crucial is this community spirit in times of crisis?

Fiona O’Brien: It’s absolutely invaluable.The GAA community in Kerry has a longstanding tradition of supporting each other,and these hubs are a testament to that spirit. The volunteers are doing an amazing job, providing comfort, assistance, and a sense of community to those who need it most. This collaborative effort is truly heartwarming and highlights the strength of our community.

Archyde: How can readers who want to help contribute to these efforts?

Fiona O’Brien: If anyone is able to volunteer, even for a few hours, we encourage them to contact their local GAA club. Any support, whether it’s providing meals, assisting at the hubs, or simply offering a listening ear, can make a significant difference. Donations to local charities that are assisting those impacted by the storm are also greatly appreciated.

Archyde: Looking ahead, what message do you have for the people of Kerry?

Fiona O’Brien: We understand that this is a challenging time, and we want to assure our residents that we are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and offer all possible support. Please remember to be patient and look after yourselves and each other. Let’s work together to overcome this challenge and emerge stronger as a community.

What are the specific ways that people can volunteer to support the efforts of Kerry county council in addressing the power outages caused by Storm Éowyn?

Providing Relief & community Spirit: Kerry County Council Addresses Power Outages

Interview with Fiona O’Brien, Head of Emergency Services for Kerry County Council

Archyde: Fiona, can you tell us about the challenges Kerry is facing in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn?

Fiona O’Brien: Certainly. Storm Éowyn was a powerful storm that caused widespread damage across the county. The most important impact has been the power outages affecting nearly 40,000 ESB customers, with almost 2,000 still without electricity this morning. It’s a challenging situation, especially for vulnerable individuals who rely on electricity for essential needs.

Archyde: How is Kerry County Council responding to these challenges?

Fiona O’Brien: We’ve been working tirelessly alongside ESB Networks to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.We understand the urgency and are providing all necessary support to ensure a swift resolution. Meanwhile, we’ve established emergency response hubs at various GAA clubs across the county to offer essential services to those impacted.

Archyde: Can you elaborate on these response hubs? What kind of services are being offered?

Fiona O’Brien: These hubs are open from 3 p.m.to 8 p.m. daily until power is fully restored. They provide a safe and welcoming space for people to access vital resources such as charging points for devices,hot meals,showers,and data regarding power restoration timelines. Additionally, they serve as a central point for coordination and support for those in need.

Archyde: These hubs are run by dedicated GAA volunteers. How crucial is this community spirit in times of crisis?

Fiona O’Brien: It’s absolutely invaluable.The GAA community in Kerry has a longstanding tradition of supporting each other,and these hubs are a testament to that spirit. The volunteers are doing an amazing job, providing comfort, assistance, and a sense of community to those who need it most. This collaborative effort is truly heartwarming and highlights the strength of our community.

Archyde: How can readers who want to help contribute to these efforts?

Fiona O’Brien: If anyone is able to volunteer, even for a few hours, we encourage them to contact their local GAA club. Any support, whether it’s providing meals, assisting at the hubs, or simply offering a listening ear, can make a significant difference. Donations to local charities that are assisting those impacted by the storm are also greatly appreciated.

Archyde: Looking ahead, what message do you have for the people of Kerry?

Fiona O’Brien: we understand that this is a challenging time, and we want to assure our residents that we are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and offer all possible support.Please remember to be patient and look after yourselves and each other. Let’s work together to overcome this challenge and emerge stronger as a community.