Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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159. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department will take measures to improve public awareness of supports and services available during periods of poor weather and resulting electricity blackouts, particularly given the increasing regularity and severity of these storms in the wake of storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6160/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Throughout the response, ESB Networks PowerCheck website () was available for the public to monitor power restoration times.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (D/HLGH) is designated as the lead Government Department in the case of severe weather events and is therefore responsible for the co-ordination of the whole-of-government response related to weather emergencies. A formal review of the response to Storm Éowyn will be conducted by D/HLGH and will be submitted to the Government Task Force for Emergency Planning.

My Department will participate in the review and will reflect the learnings for the electricity sector into it, with measures to improve public awareness being included in this feedback.

The response to Storm Éowyn continues under the Inter-Departmental Recovery Group, chaired by my Department, with an emphasis on restoring full broadband connectivity.