Uisce Éireann to purchase more generators for back-up power during severe weather events
The issue over back-up power r/generators was first highlighted during the ‘big freeze’ in early January.
Uisce Éireann has given a commitment that it will purchase more generators to provide back-up power after the utility was severely criticised for not being able to keep a number of water and sewerage systems operational during recent severe weather events.
The issue was first highlighted during the ‘big freeze’ in early January and again after main ESB power supplies were cut as a result of the impact of Storm Éowyn later the same month.
The matter was raised in Cork’s County Hall after the big freeze by Fianna Fáil councillor Ian Doyle.
Mr Doyle lives in Charleville and that area and a large swathe of northwest Cork (Duhallow region) were one of the worst impacted in the country.
Mr Doyle and other councillors expressed surprise that several of the utility’s systems were out of action for lengthy periods and questioned why such a large and vitally important entity didn’t have backup generators in all it plants.
On foot of this the local authority wrote to Uisce Éireann and it has just received a reply.
A spokesman for the utility said its asset management team had assessed the situation in the wake of the extreme weather events and that post incident reviews are now underway to examine a range of areas where there can be greater preparedness in the future.
“As part of this review, Uisce Éireann has committed to procuring additional generators and will accelerate its programme to ensure that at-risk plants and other assets (eg pumping stations) are generator-ready and will also examine other options for alternative power solutions,” the spokesman said.
He added that the utility will also continue to work with all the relevant Government and state agencies to ensure the appropriate levels of readiness for extreme weather events.
Senior utility officials met with Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne regarding their response to Storm Éowyn.
The spokesman added they look forward to working with him and his team as the company prepare for future weather-related events.
During Storm Éowyn, Uisce Éireann said it was able to use some back-up generators which enabled it to keep some infrastructure running which served approximately 146,000 premises around the country.
Mr Doyle said he welcomed the company’s response and hopes it will act swiftly to ensure it is well prepared in future as severe weather incidents are likely to become more frequent.
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