Aontú TD for Mayo Paul Lawless has called on the Government to utilise assistance from Europe through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to bolster the restoration of power and water to those affected by Storm Éowyn.
Deputy Lawless said:
“Despite the best efforts of engineers across the West in particular, many customers of ESB and Water Ireland are still without vital services, indeed many have been quoted the beginning of February as a timeframe for restoration.
The NI Executive sought assistance from the UK several days ago from the British Government who are sending electrical engineers to assist with NIEN repairs.
It is unacceptable that so many in the west are still without power and water so many days after the storm, and so it is beyond time that Ministers inform the EU Commission of a request through the Mechanism for immediate assistance.
The provision of engineers, generators and infrastructural assistance is now essential. The current attempts at the restoration of services, whilst valiant and appreciated by those on the ground, is simply not enough to address the current situation.
I am calling on Ministers to immediately trigger the Mechanism and issue details to the Commission for what assistance is needed across the country.”
