Response to Storm Éowyn
The Irish Red Cross was invited to join the national emergency co-ordination group to support the response to Storm Éowyn. Our focus is on the wellbeing of the vulnerable and isolated. Our volunteers attend at Humanitarian Hubs throughout the country, carry out door-to-door welfare checks and provide welfare packs – water, wipes, biscuits and other hygiene products. They check people’s needs and bring this information back to the emergency partners to help coordinate support.
Happy Hubs were established as a special space focused on the wellbeing of teenagers and young people who may be experiencing stress as a result of power outages and limited internet access. The Happy Hubs in Leitrim and Monaghan were the first of their kind. Red Cross volunteers lead the activities, which include art and wellbeing sessions, with snacks, refreshments, tea, and coffee provided.
Other Supports:
- Welfare: If you have been affected, you can get help and support after Storm Éowyn.
- General Support Links: Click here for information about water, power, support, and more.
- Water: Search for information on water outages and issues here.
- ESB Power Check: Check your area on power outages and estimated time of repair by clicking here.
- An Post: Request a check-in on relatives and vulnerable people.
If you need support from the Irish Red Cross, please contact +353 (0) 1 642 4600 or email us at stormresponse@redcross.ie
Rescue Services
The Irish Red Cross has developed specialist search and rescue teams to assist people missing, injured, or in other difficulties on mountains and lakes.
These specially trained volunteers are supported by our other services as required and are a trusted auxiliary to agencies such as the Coastguard, the HSE, and An Garda Siochána.
Lifeboats
The Irish Red Cross has two lifeboats serving Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. Our D-class lifeboat and Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) are manned entirely by volunteers and are an invaluable auxiliary to the local emergency services.
Searches
Irish Red Cross volunteers are regularly asked to assist other services in major lowland searches for missing people.
These volunteers frequently give freely of their time and expertise by participating in searches on foot and providing first aid when needed.
Mountain Rescue
The Irish Red Cross has one specialist mountain rescue team, Glen of Imaal, Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team.
The team provides a 24-hour on-call service for those lost or injured in county Wicklow. They also assist elsewhere in Ireland when major searches are underway.
• Air crash response in remote environments
• Severe weather support (snow, storm, and flood)
• Missing person search in non-mountain environments
The lifeboat and mountain rescue services can be contacted through the emergency services operator on 999 or 112.
Visit – Glen of Imaal Wicklow Mountain Rescue
