Mo Chairde Storm Éowyn Emergency Meal on Wheels Response

Description

Storm Éowyn caused widespread disruption across Roscommon in early 2025, leading to severe and prolonged power outages that lasted over two weeks in some areas. Many older residents living alone in rural communities were left without heat, electricity, or the means to prepare food. Recognising the urgent need, Mo Chairde immediately responded to a request from Roscommon County Council to activate emergency meal support.
Within 24 hours, Mo Chairde mobilised a community-led response, activating its staff, volunteers, and Meals on Wheels infrastructure to deliver hot meals and conduct welfare checks on isolated and vulnerable older people. This emergency support spanned two weekends, including a bank holiday, ensuring uninterrupted care and vital contact.
Working in close partnership with Roscommon County Council and Roscommon LEADER Partnership, the initiative required rapid coordination and flexible staffing, with delivery routes adjusted in real time as new requests emerged throughout the day and evening.
Over 484 meals were delivered during the two weekends. In many cases, Mo Chairde staff were the first and only people these older residents had seen since the storm began. The meals became more than nourishment; they were lifelines. Staff also relayed critical information to council services and identified individuals requiring follow-up welfare visits.
This emergency action demonstrated the vital role of trusted, agile community organisations in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of older people. It also underscored the importance of strong local partnerships and responsive age-friendly networks in times of crisis.

Aim of Initiative

The aim was to provide emergency food and welfare support to older people isolated without power during Storm Éowyn. The initiative sought to safeguard the health, safety, and emotional wellbeing of older residents by delivering hot meals, conducting welfare checks, and offering reassurance and companionship during a critical period of disruption.
It also aimed to demonstrate the power of local collaboration in emergency response, particularly how community organisations like Mo Chairde can fill gaps quickly and effectively with support from local authorities.

Who is it aimed at

Older people living alone or in isolated rural areas of Roscommon affected by power outages during Storm Éowyn.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Quick coordination between Mo Chairde, Roscommon Leader Partnership and Roscommon County Council to assess needs and identify households.
2. Mobilisation of staff, volunteers, and delivery logistics with support from LEADER and local council
3. Execution of deliveries, welfare checks, and follow-up reporting to community partners.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Accessing rural areas with blocked or hazardous roads
2. Communicating with isolated individuals with no phone/internet.
3. Managing constantly changing delivery routes as new requests for support continued to come in throughout the day, requiring real-time coordination and flexibility from staff and volunteers.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Over 484 hot meals delivered to older people with no power or means to cook.
2. Improved physical and emotional wellbeing of recipients through food, contact, and care
3. Stronger partnership between Mo Chairde, local authorities, and community stakeholders in emergency planning.