Donegal County Council will pay for emergency accommodation during Storm Éowyn

Donegal County Council are offering anyone who feels endangered by Storm Éowyn hotel accommodation, which they will cover the cost of.

The Extreme Weather Warning for Wind - status red - is for Donegal is in place from Friday at 6am till Friday at 3pm.

“There's a red storm warning coming so we've been talking with Donegal County Council and we have a plan in place to allow anybody who feels that they're in danger or vulnerable because of the storm to go to a hotel,” Charles Ward TD of the 100 Percent Redress Party said.

“There'll be a list but also if you're already booked into a hotel, keep your receipts and Donegal County Council will reimburse you. So if you're feeling that you're in danger at your property tonight, especially those families with defective concrete, come out of them go to a hotel and book yourself in.

“Donegal County Council, if it’s not on their list they will reimburse you. There will be a list coming shortly so don't leave yourself in a position where you're going to be in danger. It's very very important that you act and that you are safe because tomorrow is going to be a bad storm and we do not want anything happening to anybody in Donegal.

“It’s very. very important that we act upon us now. The whole team have been working flat out, and all our councillors have been working flat out. Donegal County Council have put this plan in place and we need these all now to use these services. There are going to be hotel rooms there for you to use - use them - because do not be in a house that you feel could topple down on top of you, or cause you any harm, cause you danger, cause your family danger. It's not worth it so please avail of these services.”

Donegal County Council said: “Donegal County Council encourages people concerned about residing in mobile homes, or other accommodations with potential structural issues, to consider making alternative accommodation arrangements tonight through family or friends for the duration of the Storm Éowyn Red Weather warning.

“If you are in this category and are unable to source alternative accommodation overnight through family or friends, it is suggested that Hotel or B&B accommodation is considered. In such cases, please hold on to your accommodation receipt. The Council will put in place a process with a view to reimbursement of reasonable vouched overnight costs in such verifiable circumstances. The practical detail on this will be worked through as part of a range of follow-ups that will be necessary in the aftermath of this weather event.

“Donegal Civil Defence in association with Donegal County Council, are available to provide essential services, such as collecting/delivering essential medications, food supplies, delivering meals on wheels to the vulnerable, assisting in the provision of temporary bedding and welfare, during Storm Éoywn.”

Joy Beard, Donegal County Councillor, added: I'm begging you to get yourself somewhere safe, to a friend or a neighbour or to a hotel. We need people to know this. Don't risk it. Get yourself somewhere safe. Take care folks."

Met Éireann said: "Gale to storm force southerly winds becoming westerly will bring severe, damaging and extremely destructive gusts in excess of 130km/h. Impacts include danger to life, extremely dangerous travelling conditions, unsafe working conditions, disruption and cancellations to transport, many fallen trees, significant and widespread power outages, impacts to communications networks, cancellation of events, structural damage, wave overtopping and coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas."