A Government review of the response to Storm Éowyn has recommended stronger community supports, improved communications and greater resilience in essential infrastructure ahead of future severe weather events.

The report, published on Monday by the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), examined how national and local agencies managed one of the most destructive storms in recent years.

Storm Éowyn struck on 24 January 2025, bringing record-breaking winds that prompted red wind warnings in every county. About 768,000 electricity customers lost power, with restoration taking up to 18 days in some areas.

The review found that the response was effective in protecting public safety but highlighted weaknesses in communication and coordination. It recommends new measures to strengthen local and national preparedness, including a Community Support Centre Activation Guide to help deliver humanitarian assistance more quickly to affected areas.

The report calls for better public access to information on service restoration times, greater transparency from telecommunications providers and increased backup power generation for critical infrastructure. It also recommends legislative changes to allow more proactive vegetation management and the creation of forestry corridors to protect power and telecom networks.

Keith Leonard, national director of the NDFEM, said work had already begun to implement several of the review’s recommendations. “This includes guidance on establishing and operating Community Support Centres, increasing generator capacity in Irish Water and adding satellite communication capacity to strengthen emergency networks,” he said.

He added that Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne had met members of the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) to review preparedness for the coming winter.

The review notes that while the emergency response worked well in the early stages, prolonged power outages caused severe difficulties for many communities, particularly in rural areas.

It concludes that improved coordination, stronger community engagement and more resilient infrastructure will be vital as Ireland faces more frequent and intense weather events.

The report’s recommendations will be advanced through the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning.

View the report below.