Leitrim Local Co-ordination Group established to assist citizens most in need post Storm Éowyn
Storm Éowyn Helpline
Storm Éowyn has done unprecedented damage across Leitrim with considerable interruption to a number of important services notably ESB, Water Supply and Telecommunications
The Government has through the National Emergency Co-ordination Group and its newly established Sub-Group on Humanitarian Assistance requested that Local Authorities coordinate a local level response to the needs of people who have been significantly impacted by the storm.
Leitrim County Council is establishing a local co-ordination group involving key statutory agencies including the HSE, An Garda Síochána, Dept. of Social Protection, ESB Networks, Uisce Éireann etc, to coordinate available supports and assistance for those most in need through a co-ordinated approach.
The Council has today established a helpline for those in those in need of assistance and to provide advice and direction to supports available. Leitrim County Councilis providing a dedicated contact number - 071 9650471- with the lines open from 9AM to 5PM. Our support staff can also be contacted by email at storm@leitrimcoco.ie.
The helpline is focused primarily on ensuring that vulnerable members of the community or those living alone can access essential services and supplies. The Council through the local co-ordination group will also consider the need for local community hubs to assist people with basic needs. Staff on our helpline will provide advice and direction to supports available, including the Department of Social Protection’s Humanitarian Assistance Scheme
Contact details of this new service will be promoted on www.leitrim.ie, Leitrim County Council social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and through the local press and media. Locations providing supports to communities across Leitrim will be available on our website and across our social media channels. As community hubs or locations come online, our website will be updated accordingly. It is anticipated that support hubs or locations will assist people with basic needs such as water, phone charging, broadband access, tea & coffee and shower facilities (if available).
Humanitarian Assistance Scheme
The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by Storm Éowyn. The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme mitigates hardship by providing income tested financial assistance schemes to households affected by a severe weather event. The Department of Social Protection adopts a three-stage approach:
Stage 1: Provide emergency support payments (for food, clothing, etc.) in the immediate aftermath of the event. This Stage is not income tested and is based on the immediate need of impacted individuals.
Stage 2: Replace white goods and basic furniture.
Stage 3: Focus on damage to a household’s primary residency.
The scheme will not cover losses covered by an insurance policy. The income limits for the scheme are:
- €50,000 for a single person
- €90,000 for a couple
- €15,000 per dependent child
Reduced or tapered level of support may be provided in cases where your household income is above the limits.
If any homeowner affected by severe weather needs to access these supports, emergency Community Welfare Service contact details are available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/12e880-humanitarian-assistance-scheme-swa/