The damage caused by Storm Éowyn is set to result in insurance claims of up to €240 million, according to figures supplied to the Department of Finance.
More than 27,000 claims have been reported so far, making it one of the most destructive storms in Irish history. Households have been hit the hardest, with damages expected to total €112 million, while commercial claims are estimated at nearly €122 million. In addition, 1,649 motor insurance claims have been filed, amounting to €6.7 million in damages.
Humanitarian Fund Controversy
The Department of Social Protection has closed the first phase of its humanitarian fund, which was set up to assist those worst affected by the storm. However, the decision has drawn criticism from Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice, who accused the government of pulling the rug out from under people in the midlands, west, and northwest.
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín also raised concerns over inconsistencies in payments, revealing that some people received full compensation, while others got little or nothing. He highlighted the case of a woman who was given just €15 to cover the loss of €200 worth of frozen food.
Sinn Féin TD for Galway East, Louis O’Hara, called the high number of rejected applications deeply unfair.
Relief Fund and Power Outages
The humanitarian fund received 62,834 claims, covering expenses such as food and emergency accommodation. So far, 22,800 applications have been approved, with €5.2 million paid out, and an average payment of €228.96.
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary assured those who were denied payments that they can request a review, provided they submit detailed information about the duration of their electricity outage.
Storm Éowyn left 768,000 people without electricity when it struck on January 23, and it took until February 12 to fully restore power across the country.
As communities continue to recover, the financial and emotional toll of one of Ireland’s most severe storms remains a major concern.
