Stormy weather - Government must invest

Further proof, if it were needed, that global warming is upon us, has been delivered by mother nature with a resounding wallop felt from one end of the country to the other.

It was a miracle nobody was killed as over 260,000 homes lost electricity, countless trees were felled, train services suspended, flights cancelled, roads blocked, and a state of emergency declared in Co Kilkenny.

The beleaguered public also saw further proof, again if it were needed, of the immense service ESB staff provide during and in the aftermath of every storm.

By any yardstick, yesterday’s was a mega-event with winds of over 170km/h, savage enough to prevent ESB crews going out until their safety was ensured.

With more storms looming, the Government must invest heavily in infrastructure to offset the future impact of global warming.