Louth County Council ‘won’t be found wanting’ in storm response

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Louth County Council are “acutely aware” of the need for sufficient manpower for storm response teams, councillors heard at the October meeting.

Cllr. Antoin Watters asked if the council had a working relationship with Coillte, the forestry commission, as in north Louth there had been issues with water coming down a private lane in the forest.

"The water goes down on to the public road and is causing a huge hassle. Is there a way public officials can meet with Coillte about this?” asked Cllr. Watters.

He asked if the council had sufficient manpower in the operations section in the event of a storm response being needed.

"I am worried that we might not have the people to cover any unforeseen weather incidents, in case we need to mobilise teams quickly.”

Director of Service, David Hanratty said the council had regular interactions with Coillte, adding that if there were areas of concern these could be raised directly.

"In terms of staffing in north Louth, we do make every best effort to ensure we won’t be found wanting.”

He said that if there were flooding issues in north Louth, that were not an issue in other parts of the county, staff can be moved as needed.

“It is something we are acutely aware off,” he added.

Meanwhile, a review of the response to Storm Éowyn was published by the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM).

Storm Éowyn, which hit Ireland in January of this year, proved to be one of the most destructive storms in the history of the State.

Locally, a major response was mounted with Louth County Council responding to more than 180 incidents.

The national review recommended public events should be cancelled in counties under Status Orange wind warnings.