Councillors call for generators to be provided for community hubs

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

With the days getting shorter and colder, the issue of protecting communities during periods where electricity supply may be disrupted was to the fore at the November monthly meeting of Sligo County Council with Cllr Liam Brennan calling for funding to be made available for the purchase of large generators.

Cllr Brennan explained, “These generators would be installed in Emergency Community Response Hubs in the south east and west Sligo areas, which have repeatedly experienced power outages during storms and are likely to be affected by future severe weather. The hubs would provide essential services such as power, phone charging, heating and shower/wash facilities for residents who could be without electricity for up to three weeks.”

Addressing the Chamber Cllr Brennan said, “Until we get power lines sorted in forestry areas these areas will be without power again.”

Supporting the motion, Cllr Gerard Mullaney said, “Back in January when we were without power lines these places were the lifeblood of the community.”

Cllr Michael Clarke also stressed the seriousness of the situation saying, “A further concern is in relation to older people who may be getting treatment in their own homes. Is there any proposal for folks at home who need electricity to breathe?”

Cllr Barry Gallagher issued a word of caution when he said, “The worst thing for a generator is when they are sitting idle. They must be tested once a month, minimum.”

Cllr Donal Gilroy echoed those sentiments when he said, “I built my house during foot and mouth and got a generator at the time.” Cllr Gilroy said the generator doesn’t work 75% of the time because “it isn’t maintained properly.”