Major report on lessons learned from Mayo storm 'issues'

A major report is being drafted on lessons learned in Mayo in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn.

A meeting of Mayo County Council's climate change and environment strategic policy committee heard today that a great deal of information has already been compiled for the dossier.

John Condon, director of services, said the implications are still be felt across the county as a number of locations remain without broadband and land-line services.

He stated a number of service providers registered with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities - the national energy and water regulator - have discovered they will require what he described as 'stiffer resilience' when dealing with future storm events.

"I am referring to the fact that while we had water services and other utilities of the most modern standards in place, they were left without back-up generators when required.

"There were also cases where service providers had not been maintaining access roads to key facilities and this caused them major problems in the aftermath of the storm.

"This all had a major impact on people's lives due to the loss of essential services, including communications.

"The report will be central to ensuring better preparation ahead of future events of this nature.

"We also found that on the humanitarian side, the response in Mayo communities and parishes was second to none."

Mr. Condon told members a draft version of the report and its recommendations will be circulated in due course.