Government response to Storm Éowyn was 'reactive rather than proactive' - Fine Gael TD

Eva Osborne

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow-Wexford, Brian Brennan, said he wants a formal investigation into the government's response to Storm Éowyn as the Dáil continues to debate the matter.

Brennan said he wants "a full inquiry into two facts".

"Number one is how the damage, so much damage, was done. And number two is our reaction to the damage. I feel it was very reactive rather than proactive," he said.

Housing Minister James Browne admitted it could be next week before electricity is restored to all homes and businesses, as 13,000 still remain without power almost two weeks after the storm.

The Dáil was told on Wednesday that a man passed away in Mayo when his sleep apnoea equipment stopping working as a result of storm Eowyn.

Browne said he is hoping most customers without power will be reconnected in the next few days, but admitted it could be longer.

"Well the expectation is by the end of this week that all ESB will be reconnected but there could be some going into the start of next week because it's very challenging, especially when you're going down to single houses to get them reconnected," he said.