WATCH | Terrible damage at Longford soccer stadium as Town fan and MEP Ciaran Mullooly calls for European aid

Following a visit to view storm damage at Bishopsgate stadium, the home of Longford Town FC and a club that he avidly supports, Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has officially requested the European Commission to provide emergency aid to help cover the extensive damage caused by Storm Éowyn in the region.

The storm, which has caused infrastructural damage estimated to exceed €100 million, has left hundreds of thousands of people without power and severely impacted public facilities and infrastructure. 

Speaking this morning, MEP Mullooly highlighted the damage and destruction of key facilities, including Bishopsgate Stadium in Longford and the Connacht GAA Council Sports Dome in Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, which was completely destroyed by historic winds in the area.

PICTURES | Frightening Storm Éowyn bares his ferocious teeth in Longford

Several other critical public facilities have also suffered severe damage. The storm has left over 720,000 homes without power, with reports suggesting it could take up to two weeks for full restoration in some areas. 

In his statement, MEP Mullooly urged the European Commission to act swiftly: “It is urgent that the European Commission provide funding to support the Irish Government in repairing the immense damage caused by Storm Eowyn as soon as possible. This will be essential to allow the economy to return to normal and to help communities recover from this unprecedented storm.” 

Also read: ALERT: ESB warns parts of Longford may be without power for days following wrath of Storm Éowyn 

He also acknowledged efforts by the ESB to bring in French crews to assist with power restoration but called for additional support: “I have asked the European Commission to fund other states with qualified crews who can travel to Ireland immediately. Not in living memory have generations of people in Ireland experienced a storm of this magnitude.”

MEP Mullooly has also called on insurance companies to exercise fairness and refrain from excessively increasing premiums on policyholders making claims, emphasising that this is an unprecedented situation.

Also read: Live: Counting the cost of Storm Éowyn in Longford

MEP Mullooly emphasised the scale of the disruption caused by Storm Éowyn, noting that many roads remain blocked and impassable across the region. MEP Mullooly urged everyone to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and prioritise their safety as recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of the storm.