Social enterprise hubs offering communities countrywide access to phone charging facilities, kitchens, showers and hot food have been hailed for their “swift response” to the crisis caused by Storm Éowyn and its aftermath.
John Logue of Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland, the national representative body for the sector, highlighted some of the efforts being made by groups to offer immediate relief and said they were examples of the crucial role such social enterprises play in our society “as communities across Ireland reel from the impacts” of the storm.
He highlighted how, in the wake of widespread power cuts and infrastructure damage, numerous social enterprises have opened their doors to offer critical amenities to the people living in their communities.
Balla Community Resource Development in Co Mayo has been offering access to charging stations for phones as well as a drop-in centre for tea, coffee and warmth, while the Finn Valley Centre in Co Donegal is offering phone charging facilities as well as showers, tea and coffee to those affected.
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Castlebar Social Services is offering a meals on wheels programme and in-house meals at their day centre, ensuring that people without adequate heating have access to warm, nutritious food and “a welcoming space to stay connected”.
The Bundoran Community Centre is also offering IT and phone charging facilities, tea, coffee and a place people can stay warm while the Mullingar Community Hub is offering hot beverages, internet connection and access to television for those without power
“This is not the first time social enterprises have been at the coalface of crisis response,” Mr Logue noted.
“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, social enterprises provided befriending and meals on wheels services to those who couldn’t leave their homes,” he said.
He noted that “through economic downturns, social enterprises provided employment and training opportunities for those who couldn’t find opportunities” and said that “the swift response by social enterprises to Storm Éowyn is a testament to their role in communities across Ireland, especially during times of crisis”.
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