Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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738. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if assistance will be provided to local development companies which have been impacted by Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4396/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Community groups and volunteers throughout the country have played an important role in supporting families and vulnerable groups, in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.

This has complemented the Cross Government response by government departments, local authorities, utility companies and emergency services, in particular with regard to the areas impacted for a long period of time.

In many instances public facilities including community centres, sports clubs and libraries were promptly put to use as Emergency Response Hubs providing for basic needs such as showers, clean water and a place to charge devices. Staff from the local authorities, utilities companies, government departments, statutory agencies, and voluntary organisations such as the Irish Red Cross also used these Hubs to meet with, support and advise the public.

Through the Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP), funded by my department, flexibility is provided to enable Local Development Companies to adapt actions to address the local needs of communities and this includes administrative supports for the Local Development Companies. I would strongly encourage any local community groups or individuals in the worst impacted areas to make contact with their relevant SICAP Local Development Company. SICAP staff have valuable experience and knowledge of available resources in their areas to support communities.

The response to Storm Éowyn has shown the importance of this investment and the need for continued investment to ensure the resilience of communities in such situations.