On Today’s Morning Focus, Jophn spoke to Teresa O'Donnellan Principle of Kilkee Community College. The school was closed today because they have no power. Many schools right around the county are in the same situation today.
Up next Adrian Kelly Clare’ Chief Fire Officer had a chat to John about thecurrent state of affaris for Clare emergency services following yesterday’s storm. The Fire services worked until midnight last night. Some crews had been out since 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon.
Virgil Porter ESB's divisional manager in the Mid West joined John on the phone to discuss the lack of power in Clare. ESB crews are working to restore power to the 8400 Clare homes who have been left without power. Crews from Northern Ireland Electricity have been drafted in to help – ESB Networks says helicopters are also being used to patrol transmission and most of the problems are caused by fallen trees and broken poles.
The full extent of the damage will become apparent in coming days.
Sgt Joe Downey from Ennis Garda station then joined John to give an update on the roads and the situation for Gardai across the county following the storm.
A listener then called to talk to John about his situation. John Keane in Kilbaha had his sheds destroyed in yesterday’s storm. Both roofs blew off. He has no electricity now and he can’t milk his cows.
Barry Kenny, Irish Rails Corporate Communications Manager then spoke to John about rail closures. The Ennis to Limerick Rail line to remain closed for another 6 weeks at least due to flooding at Ballycar. It mean’s bus transfers will continue for commuters and rail users until April at least.
Clare County Councils Ger Dollard was on the phone next to voice the councils concerns about water conservation particularly in Shannon. Power cuts have left pumping stations unable to perform.
Another listener next Marie Judge in Kilmihil. All of the ESB wires that surround her house fell yesterday they were live. She is very worried and chatted to John about her situation.
Cllr John Crow Sixmilebridge then spoke to John. The power is out all over Sixmilebridge and the water is out in the whole community.
Niall Moloney Operations Director at Shannon Airport had a word with John about the situation at Shannon. The airport had to close yesterday due to the height winds and an aircraft was toppled. It has since reopened. Niall gave an update on the latest at the airport.
Met Eireann Forecaster David Rogers explained what happened during yesterday storms and looks ahead with the forecast for Clare.
Finally listener Kevin Murphy called the show. Kevin lives in Kilmurry but drives through Knockerra everyday. The roof of his house blew off yesterday and he was also very worried about Tree and wires that were down in Knockerra.
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