Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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152. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is aware of a wind turbine that fell apart during storm Éowyn (details supplied); if his Department has examined the health and safety impact of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5956/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, on 24 January, Storm Éowyn caused widespread power outages, unprecedented damage, and in parts, left the electricity grid destroyed due to broken poles, lines and wires. The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) was convened on Wednesday 22 January in preparation for the storm. This was attended by all Government Departments and agencies. During the meeting the severity of the storm and its potential impacts were discussed. Met Éireann issued Status Red level weather warnings, during which the public were advised to shelter in place.

Severe weather plans for the electricity system were implemented with both EirGrid and ESB Networks preparing the electricity system for significant damage. Subgroups were subsequently established under the NECG. The Subgroup on Infrastructure, the Generators Subgroup, and the Subgroup on Humanitarian Support ensured that a key focus was placed on restoring power to critical services such as telecoms and water through prioritisation of reconnections.

While Storm Éowyn caused significant damage to our electricity infrastructure, it also had larger impact on other critical infrastructure than any previous storm, with telecoms and water being severely impacted.