Mayo councillor questions who will receive Storm Éowyn financial assistance

A MAYO councillor has hit out at the humanitarian response to the aftermath of Storm Éowyn after a constituent was refused compensation for damaged food.

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme was opened after Storm Éowyn at the end of January to provide emergency financial assistance to households affected by the storm. The scheme covers emergency income support payments such as food, clothing and personal items as well as damage to your home and essential contents along with structural damage.

Speaking at the March meeting of Mayo County Council Independent councillor Patsy O'Brien questioned who is liable for compensation for damage and loss after claiming that a number of people who had made claims have been unsuccessful.

He said one constituent contacted him to say they were unsuccessful in their claim despite losing the contents of their fridge because of the loss of power.

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“We were told by the Government that people were going to get compensated and we were going to get compensated. This is a person who has put in for €150 for [the contents of] a fridge and they didn't get anything and I have more of them. I have been contacted and I'm sure other councillors have been contacted. I want clarity and what in the name of God were they covered for,” said the Robeen-based councillor.

Fianna Fáil councillor Damien Ryan said the effects of Storm Éowyn will be far reaching and it will take months to repair the damage caused. He reiterated a call previously made for the council to have the authority call on service providers to provide information 'prior to, during and after another weather event’ and any service provider which refuses to co-operate should be 'named and shamed'.

Eir criticism

Meanwhile Eir once again felt the wrath of local councillors who criticised the telecommunications company for not repairing damage to poles and cables.

Westport-based councillor John O'Malley said there are still wires down all over his area and questioned why the repairs were not taking place.

“They [wires] are still lying there and nobody takes any heed. There are wires down all over our area in Westport and I'm sure in every other area. Are Eir dead and gone or have they disappeared. They have not done one thing since Storm Éowyn. That is not a service,” he said, adding that the wires will cause an accident if they are not repaired.

Erris-based councillor Gerry Coyle showed photos of overhanging telecom poles in his area and said Eir would not replace it even though repairs teams were in the area.

“Do we have any control over somebody who is a danger to road users with these poles? We can send an enforcement letter to somebody putting up a sheep pen but a pole overhanging a road where kids are going to school and nobody can pass and there is no enforcement at all,” he said.