Ireland has requested emergency aid from the EU following Storm Éowyn.

Ireland’s European Commissioner, Michael McGrath said that the Irish government has requested assistance under the EU’s emergency response system, the Civil Protection Mechanism.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) has now confirmed that it made a request through the EU mechanism on Saturday.

Ireland has asked for “high capacity electrical generators to support critical infrastructure operators.”

A government spokesperson said that the request was made “following an initial needs assessments by critical infrastructure operators in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.”

The EU will coordinate any offers of equipment offered to Ireland by other member states.

Ireland’s electricity board, ESB, has warned that 100,000 homes and businesses will only get power back over the course of next week, meaning in early February.

“As of 5.25pm (Sunday), ESB Networks has restored supply to 490,000 homes, farms and businesses – 278,000 customers remain without supply.”

“The vast majority of those impacted by Storm Éowyn will have had supply restored [by this Friday]. After this we expect that the remaining, approximately 100,000 customers, will progressively have their supply restored over the course of the following week.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that “every effort is being made to get high voltage transmission lines up and running, homes reconnected, and water supplies secured.”

Last week, the EU activated its satellite network, Copernicus, to map eight areas including in Mayo, Galway and Clare.

The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) said it had been asked for an “initial rough estimation, flood extent and damage assessment emergency mapping.”

The first batch of high-resolution images was due to be delivered to government authorities on Monday.

Meanwhile Michael McGrath has met with the crisis response commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, to discuss EU support for Ireland.

Ireland has previously contributed to the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism including donating medical suppliers to India during the pandemic and electrical and water treatment equipment to Ukraine.

This time Ireland is on the receiving end.

“The National Emergency Co-ordination Group will continue to co-ordinate with Essential Service providers and Critical Infrastructure operators on recovery operations and any further support needed”, the spokesperson added.

Beyond the short term clear-up operation which is already underway, Ireland may be able to apply to the EU for millions of Euro in financial aid towards the rebuilding of damaged buildings and infrastructure.