Storm Éowyn's wind speeds reached 160kph in parts of the  county, says council

Roscommon County Council says it is working with the ESB, Uisce Éireann and other agencies to tackle the devastation caused by Storm Éowyn.

In a statement this afternoon, the council said the storm was one of the worst recorded since records began, “with wind speeds of up to 160kph affecting many parts of the county”.

“As soon as the red warning ended Roscommon County Council emergency services and roads crews were mobilised across the county. The initial focus was on emergencies and facilitating access on national routes and key roads across the county. As work is progressing, we are clearing regional and local roads,” the statement said.

It has established a County Storm Response Group, to co-ordinate with other agencies and to focus on the needs of communities and vulnerable people in the aftermath of the storm.

Council Chief Executive Shane Tiernan said that the past four days have been a particularly difficult time for people in our county.

“There has been extensive damage to many homes and businesses. Access to power, water and essential services has been severely impacted in many areas,” he said. “As a local authority, we are continuing to work with the support of the other members of the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG); and will continue to co-ordinate a local level response to the needs of people who have been significantly impacted.

“Since Friday our crews have worked continuously to clear roads of fallen trees and debris where it is safe to do so. Our emergency management teams are meeting on a regular basis to co-ordinate our local authority response.” People affected by fallen trees and blocked roads may contact Roscommon County Council on 090-6637100 or by emailing customerservice@roscommoncoco.ie.

Boyle MD Area 

• Boyle GAA Club are opening the Abbey Park dressing rooms Monday between 5pm and 7pm for anyone in the community who may still be without electricity/water. Services include hot water, showers and changing facilities.

• St. Michael’s GAA & LGFA- The Community Complex at Ardcarne Park will be open Monday from 9.30am for anyone who needs charging or access to WiFi, etc. Hot Showers also available in the dressing rooms all day (please note: Away dressing room for ladies Home dressing room for men.

• Ballaghaderreen Town: Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre (Wifi and Tea/Coffee/Charging facilities) and The Shambles (Northwest CDP Offices-(Tea/Coffee & Charging facilities). A tanker for water is available at the Fire Station in Ballaghaderreen today (Monday); one is also to be made available in Frenchpark with works ongoing until tomorrow night (affecting Ballaghaderreen, Frenchpark, Sheepwalk, Fairymount, and surrounding areas). Further updates to follow.

Roscommon MD 

• Kilbride Community Centre are opening their facilities and have electricity/phone charging points and hot water.

• Ballyleague-St Faithleach’s GAA Clubhouse : The Clubhouse has power and will be open to all on Monday and Tuesday from 2-4pm and 7-9pm , for charging phones, medical devices, boiling water etc also for anyone just needing a hot cup of tea / coffee and some company.

• Roscommon Town: The Cube Flexi-Space/ Roscommon LEADER Partnership Offices on the Lanesboro Road have Remote working/Wi-Fi/Hot Water facilities for those seeking same.

• Castlerea: D’Gaff Community Centre on Barrack Street, Castlerea, is open today from 11am–1pm and 2pm–4pm on Monday for anyone needing to charge phones and devices, use Wi-Fi, Fill up a flask, cook hot food (microwave, air fryer, oven, and hob available; please bring your own ingredients.

• Castlecoote Community Centre: Open Monday from 5-8pm. Services include cooking and charging facilities 

Athlone MD:

• Drum Community Centre: Open Monday from 9am for anyone who needs a phone charge or a flask of boiling water.

• St. Brigids GAA Club in Kiltoom: The clubhouse will open their community room daily from 8am-4pm and 6-10pm. Services on-site include electricity to charge phones, showers, hot/cold water etc.