Co-ordinated storm response demanded

Cavan County Council is currently contributing to an assessment of the response to Storm Éowyn, it was revealed at the October monthly meeting of the local authority.

The revelation came as councillors demanded a more co-ordinated, better-resourced local strategy to manage the aftermath of extreme weather events.

During the debate, Sinn Féin councillor Stiofán Conaty urged the executive to consider creating a dedicated funding stream to support local community groups such as GAA clubs, Tidy Towns committees, and development associations.

He pointed out that grassroot organisations often find themselves on the frontline of emergency response efforts after storms and floods.

“They need to be properly equipped and resourced to respond effectively,” he said, noting if direct funding from the council was not feasible, that alternative sources to ensure preparedness should be explored.

Reflecting on the damage caused by Storm Éowyn last year and the more recent Storm Amy, Cllr Conaty warned that Cavan is likely to face more frequent and severe weather events.

“These extreme weather incidents are the consequence of two centuries of over-industrialisation,” he contended.

“From worsening storms and increased flooding to wildfires and biodiversity loss, it is ordinary people and the natural world that are paying the price for an economic model that prioritises growth over sustainability.”

While praising the council’s emergency response to Storm Amy - especially in terms of communication and public safety - Cllr Conaty noted that Amy did not require the same level of community mobilisation as post Éowyn.

However, he cautioned that future storms could be more severe and local volunteer networks would again bear significant burden to respond.

Fianna Fáil councillor Áine Smith shared similar concerns and praised council staff, particularly outdoor and frontline workers, for their tireless efforts during both storms.

She paid particular tribute to the teams working across west Cavan, which suffered significant damage during Storm Éowyn.

“Their work in clearing roads, managing flood damage, and supporting affected residents has been invaluable,” she said, highlighting the severe disruption caused to infrastructure, homes, and essential services.

Meitheal

Cllr Smith revisited a previous proposal calling for a comprehensive review of the council’s response to Storm Éowyn in which she advocated for the formation of a working group, or Meitheal, comprising elected representatives, council officials, emergency services, utility providers, and community and voluntary organisations.

Importantly, Cllr Smith stressed that any findings arising should be made publicly available and contribute to a national review of severe weather responses.

With memories of Storm Amy still fresh, she further emphasised the need for transparency and accountability, calling on the Chief Executive to provide an update on the progress of her past proposal for a working group to be established including details on stakeholders engaged, and whether emergency data and response plans have been reviewed.

She also wanted to know if any preliminary recommendations have been made. Cllr Smith also asked what steps had been taken to ensure Cavan’s experience - which had one of the largest coordinated community responses nationally during Éowyn - is factored into national planning.

Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley also contibuted to the debate. He once again renewed his criticism of national stakeholders’ handling of fallen trees bringing down powerlines in rural areas - a problem that left some communities without electricity for several weeks.

“It’s not acceptable,” he said bluntly, while noting one major obstacle to clearing pathways near powerlines in forested areas is the issue of properties held in trust.

Cross-party support for a more strategic storm response was evident, with Cllr Damien Brady (SF) agreeing that “more work” is required to regulate forestry companies on the subject.

He also highlighted the need for back-up generators, a point he raised with Irish Water officials prior to the October council meeting.

Fine Gael’s Trevor Smith and Independent Brendan Fay supported the motions tabled by Cllrs Conaty and Smith.

Cllr Fay, in particular, lamented restrictions preventing farmers from removing fallen trees from rivers, a constraint he argued hindered the ability to deal with flooding in a timely and effective manner.

Responding on behalf of the executive, Director of Services Brendan Jennings praised the voluntary efforts but stated there was currently “no need to change” the council’s approach to supporting community response, as various existing schemes are in place.

Another Director of Services, Paddy Connaughton, reminded councillors that Storm Éowyn, the most damaging storm to make landfall in Cavan since records began, had followed closely after Storm Darragh.

Alongside contributing to the national review on Storm Éowyn, Cavan County Council is also conducting an internal review aimed at improving local preparedness and identifying necessary backup systems in the future.