Cavan stands strong in response to the storm
LAMA Award for Community Response Hubs
Cavan County Council has picked up a national award for its Community Response Hubs established in the wake of Storm Eowyn.
The Breffni county was in the winners' circle at the Local Authority Members’ Association (LAMA) All-Ireland Community and Council Awards on Saturday night.
This prestigious award is recognition of the fantastic collaborative effort and Meitheal spirit displayed by Cavan’s communities, businesses, and public sector in a time of national crisis, the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, in January and February 2025.
The 20th annual LAMA Awards, which took place at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre this last weekend, shine a spotlight on the incredible collaboration between communities and councils and showcase outstanding local initiatives, honour unsung heroes, and acknowledge these remarkable contributions that enrich and strengthen our communities.
Over 530 projects were submitted for this year’s awards, with 137 projects shortlisted across 26 categories. Cavan was shortlisted in three categories, with The N55 Killydoon South of Corduff Realignment Project also recognised in the ‘Best Transformative Capital Projects’ category; while the St Brigid’s Place Housing Development, Phase One secured a shortlisting in the ‘Excellence in Sustainable Major Infrastructure Delivery’ category.
It was in the 'Best Corporate Social Responsibility Project' that Cavan emerged victorious, with MC Marty Whelan announcing that the Community Response Hubs set up in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn had secured the judges’ votes in this hotly-contested category.
As Storm Éowyn wreaked historic levels of damage on the Irish countryside, destroying critical infrastructure including telecommunications, water, and power, the Community Hubs initiative saw Cavan County Council co-ordinate a county-wide response which saw private enterprises, sports clubs, and community organisations spring into action to create a network of hubs to provide basic necessities for communities across Cavan.
The community hub model was later rolled out nationwide, and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, noted at the time that “Cavan [was] an exemplar” in its approach.
Speaking after he accepted the award on behalf of Cavan County Council, Cathaoirleach, Councillor John Paul Feeley said: “Storm Éowyn showed nature at its worst and most destructive, and humanity at its very best. Across the length and breadth of the county, communities and business rallied to the call to come together and look after each other, particularly the most vulnerable among us.
"I commend all who put their shoulders to the wheel during this tumultuous period, and I want to also thank the council officials who helped coordinate the humanitarian effort so efficiently.”
Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Eoin Doyle, said the award is “fitting recognition" for the efforts of so many after the storm.
"Whether it was local community groups, hotels, restaurants and shops, providing shelter and warmth, ably assisted by our own Community and Enterprise staff, local councillors helping to raise awareness and reach vulnerable members of the community, or our fire service and roads staff working tirelessly to clear infrastructure, so many people stood up to be counted in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.”
He also acknowledged the other Cavan projects nominated on the night. "To have reached this stage amid such intense competition is quite an achievement," said Mr Doyle, extending his thanks to the staff in Road Design and Housing Construction for their dedication with regard the shortlisted initiatives.