Europe sends 17 generators to help bring back power to homes still affected by Storm Éowyn

Workers clearing a fallen tree in Dublin as ESB networks continue to reconnect homes and businesses across the country after Storm Éowyn. The Government said the generators are being deployed to support ESB Networks, Uisce Éireann and telecommunications operators to bring power, water, phone and broadband services back. 

A total of 17 large-capacity power generators have been delivered to Ireland from EU stockpiles and from Denmark and Luxembourg, according to the European Commission.

All of the generators have been supplied from a dedicated EU facility, funded through the EU budget. The EU’s stockpiles have been flown to Ireland thanks to the air forces of member states, including Romania.

It comes as the Department of Defence has provided an update on the delivery of Ireland’s first medium-capacity military transport aircraft — which would be capable of transporting large heavy equipment such as generators.

The department said the Airbus C-295W Military Transport Aircraft will be delivered to the Air Corps in September 2025.

While the Air Corps did receive two new Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft in 2023 — which are capable of being configured in a strategic airlift transport role if required — the new aircraft has a dedicated focus in the transport of equipment and troops.

The aircraft costs €59million, excluding VAT, and was part of the Government’s immediate commitments to implement the second of three investment recommendations made by the Commission on the Defence Forces, which reported in February 2022.

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The Government said the generators have been provided by Poland and Denmark following a request from Ireland under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

“The generators are being deployed to support ESB Networks, Uisce Éireann and telecommunications operators to bring power, water, phone and broadband services back to homes, schools and businesses,” the Government said.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, the European Commission said the following generators have been delivered:

• 4 generators from Denmark via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, delivered on 29 January;
• 1 generator from Luxembourg via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, delivered on 3 February;
• 13 power generators from the rescEU stockpile in Poland, 12 were delivered in late January and one generator was cancelled in agreement with Irish authorities.

In a statement on the new military transport aircraft, the Department of Defence said: “The Airbus C-295W Military Transport Aircraft (MTA) will be delivered to the Air Corps in September 2025.” 

In relation to when it will be operational, it said: “As the aircraft are of the same type although in a different configuration, the same pilots and aircrew who will support the two C-295 MPA aircraft delivered in 2023 can seamlessly transition between the C-295 MPA and C-295 MTA aircraft. The same is true of the airframe, powerplant and technical services support personnel.

“Upon delivery of an aircraft there are two stages of operational capability, IOC (Initial Operational Capability) and FOC (Full Operational Capability). It is important to note that in line with best practice, the Air Corps adopt a conditions-based approach to achieving both IOC and FOC. 

"What this means in practice is that once the unit has satisfied it has achieved a milestone, the military authorities declare the level of operational capability.

“As such a declaration falls within the remit of the military authorities, the department would not be in a position to comment on the estimated timeframe for achieving same."