Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is during storms like these that we really see the value of public services, especially our front-line public servants, those from the ESB, local authorities, emergency services and An Garda Síochána. They were out in all weathers, in very difficult circumstances, to ensure that people were safe, looked after and were reconnected. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

The storm wreaked havoc across the State. In many areas, people are still without power and that, undoubtedly, is very worrying and requires consideration. Cork city was probably not one of the worst affected areas but nonetheless, damage was done.

One of the causes of frustration and the reason I am raising it is that while schemes are available for householders, as of yet, there is nothing for community groups, sports clubs and businesses. That is a huge problem. I will give two examples of sports clubs. These are run entirely on a voluntary basis. A huge effort goes into fundraising to ensure that jerseys and footballs are bought and insurance is paid and so on. When something like this happens, it sets clubs back hugely. Everton AFC had about €5,000 worth of damage done. Fencing, dugouts and goals were all u-ended. The club's neighbours, Ballyphehane GAA club which plays at the old Red Mills GAA pitch, also had fencing, goalposts and railings upended. This is a huge cost to these growing and developing clubs, which will set them back significantly. It is not right that there is no scheme available for them. It is not fair. I urge the Minister to open a scheme for sports clubs, community groups and businesses that have lost money and incurred significant costs because of this very severe storm.

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