Praise for Storm Eowyn response
THE leader of Inverclyde Council has praised the local response to Storm Eowyn.
Councillor Robert Moran has thanked council and health and social care partnership (HSCP) staff, as well as emergency services and other first responders who worked tirelessly last week planning for the unprecedented red weather warning on Friday 24 January 2025 and for their efforts over the weekend and into this week with the clean-up operation.
Large parts of Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland were battered by extreme winds gusting up to 100mph in some places.
Schools, public buildings, and leisure facilities were all closed on Friday due to the red weather warning as the council/HSCP moved to essential services only.
Staff also worked on Saturday and Sunday inspecting buildings and leading the clear-up operation, which is continuing, and ensuring schools and services could return to normal today, Monday 27 January 2025.
All schools reopened except from St Mary’s Primary in Greenock, which remains closed to allow for inspections of damage to the roof, with pupils and staff temporarily relocated to Notre Dame High School in the meantime.
Many other public and residential buildings suffered damage and as many as 50 trees were blown down during the storm.
Councillor Moran said: “From the intense planning and preparation for this once-in-a-generation storm to the response itself and clear-up operation over the weekend, it has been a monumental effort from staff right across the council/HSCP and our partner agencies.
“Collectively, they ensured essential services were maintained throughout for our most vulnerable residents, responded to emergencies, ensured residents were kept up to date with the latest information, and, crucially, have ensured that it is business as usual for most places today.
“While Inverclyde, thankfully, seems to have escaped the worst impacts of the storm like you are seeing in other parts of the UK, there has, of course, still been some damage and disruption locally, but council staff are working hard and engaging with other stakeholders and specialist contractors to get things repaired and back to normal as quickly as possible.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in and continues to be involved in the response to Storm Eowyn and for their roles in keeping us safe.”
Bin collections were cancelled on Friday due to the severe weather warning but staff began working through the backlog today, Monday 27 January 2025.
Recycling centres, libraries and the museum, and leisure facilities have all returned to normal opening hours while burials and cremations have resumed with staff working with funeral directors to rescheduled services that had to be cancelled.
The council’s dedicated Storm Eowyn page remains live on the council website at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/stormeowyn for other service updates and signposting to partner agencies for help and advice.