THOUSANDS still remain without power or water today after Storm Eoywn battered the country on Thursday night and Friday morning.
Around 154k people are still without power and Uisce Eireann confirmed last night that 11,500 premises are still without water.
Emergency hubs have been set up across the country to allow people access to basic needs such as water, showers, clothes washing facilities, charging facilities and broadband on top of hot food and water.
And as people continue to battle without essential services six days after the devastating storm, the question of compensation is at the forefront of people’s minds.
So, here is everything you need to know about what you can and can’t claim for if you were impacted by Storm Eoywn’s warpath.
DO I GET COMPENSATION FOR POWER OUTAGES?
Unfortunately, the short answer to this is no.
In normal circumstances if you are notified of a fault and are still without power 24 hours later you can claim €65 per day without power.
Businesses can claim €130 in the same scenario.
For every 12 hours after that you remain without power, you can claim €35.
This can be done via the ESB website and should be done within one month of losing supply.
However, in their 12 Service Guarantees document the ESB outline compensation is NOT given in adverse circumstances such as a storm.
It said: ” In exceptional cases such as storms or extensive disruption to electricity supplies, we cannot offer this guarantee.”
The company adds: “But we will always do everything we can to restore supply as soon as possible.”
CAN I CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR WATER DISRUPTION?
Uisce Eireann have a Customer Charter document published on it’s website.
If they fail to meet these standards customers may be entitled to €30 per commitment not met.
And an additional €15 may be paid out if the original payments are not made within 3O days.
However, the only reference to unplanned interruptions on this charter refers to priority service customers.
They say: “We guarantee to give customers on our Priority Services Register the chance to tell us about their critical water supply needs when an unplanned interruption to supply is likely to last more than four hours.”
To register as a vulnerable customer you must fill out an application form on their website.
CAN I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?
There are financial aids you can apply for if you are struggling in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn.
The Community Welfare Service is a payment usually paid to people on a low income or getting a social welfare payment but can also be paid out to people during an emergency.
Allowances can be made as a once-off payment or a regular supplement payment.
Your application will be reviewed by a Community Welfare Officer who will look at your sources of income and your expenses.
They may also want to meet with you.
To apply you should make an appointment with the CWO or post your application form or drop it into your local Intreo Centre or social welfare branch office.
CAN I CLAIM FOR DAMAGE TO MY PROPERTY?
Yes, you can apply for the means tested Humanitarian Assistance Scheme for emergency financial assistance after a severe weather event.
This payment is to help cover the costs of essential repairs rather than provide compensation for loss or damage.
The scheme covers:
- Emergency income support payments
- Damage to your home and its essential contents, such as carpets, flooring, furniture, household appliances and bedding
- Structural damage
It does not cover:
- Losses covered by an insurance policy
- Loss of items deemed to be not essential or luxury items
- Commercial and business losses
- Loss or damage to private rented accommodation or local authority accommodation
You can apply for this payment by filling out an application form.
You will also need to supply evidence of income, repairs estimate,
a copy of your insurance policy, paid invoices or receipts and anything else that may support your claim.
CAN I CLAIM FROM MY INSURANCE PROVIDER?
Yes, you can make a claim from your home insurance provider if your home has been affected by the storm.
Most home insurance policies will cover key areas that Irish household may be facing after Storm Eowyn.
The big one that is covered is damage from falling trees, branches, aerials, masts, and satellite dishes.
Most home insurance policies will also cover any structural damage caused by severe winds.
You should also be covered to carry out temporary repairs to prevent further damage or seek alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable after the storm.
While a large amount of people across the country are struggling without water rather than too much water, you should also be covered if you’ve experienced water damage.
This includes water damage from wind-driven rain and costs to source water leaks in the home.
Claims may be denied if damage was pre-exsisting or if there was negligence in securing your property before the storm.
To claim you should document damage, keep any receipts and make contact with your insurer straight away.
If you are concerned about premiums rising after a claim you should discuss this with your insurance provider.
Досвідчені городники та садівники серед квітів надають перевагу чорнобривцям та календулі. Їх природні властивості захищають посадки від шкідників, а також покращують склад ґрунту. Ці квіти активно використовуються у народній медицині та косметології. Чому варто висаджувати під зиму Весна — сезон, коли городники мають безліч клопоту із посадкою різних культур. На квіти залишається мало сил […]
Мікрозелень корисна, а коли мова йде про руколу, тоді це ще краща ідея створити на підвіконні її невелику плантацію. Зробити це дуже просто. Та й нічого особливого не треба робити, щоб влаштувати маленький город на підвіконні. Ця рослина допомагає покращувати обмінні процеси в організмі, відновлює водно-сольовий обмін та дуже позитивно впливає на роботу шлунково-кишкового тракту. […]
