Internet Outage Cripples Galway After Storm Damages ‘Crumbling’ Network

Galway Faces Network ⁢Outage Crisis After​ Storm Damage

Weeks after Storm ‌Bert battered Galway in november,large ⁣portions of the ‌county remain⁤ unplugged from the internet. The storm exposed the fragility‌ of Galway’s telecommunications network, leaving not⁢ only⁤ homes without connectivity but also raising serious concerns about the safety of vulnerable residents. With landlines down alongside internet access, personal alarm systems relied upon by many elderly and vulnerable individuals are perhaps inoperable. ⁢Councillor‍ Gerry‌ King, representing Connemara, highlighted the dire‍ situation, stating “The vulnerable and ⁤elderly ‍are most‍ affected due to the outage of the landline phones and emergency buzzers. There are ‌still ‍quite a lot of older people reliant on ⁢the landline.” This ongoing crisis has brought medical ‍practices to a standstill as well. At ‌least two ⁤clinics in Connemara where unable to operate normally for days while⁣ awaiting internet restoration, underscoring the‌ far-reaching impact of the network breakdown. ‌ Councillor King pointed ‌a finger at Eir,the private company responsible for the network,stating “This has been going‌ on for nearly four weeks ‍and that’s because the Eir network is falling apart.Years of neglect is coming home to roost,”‌ and emphasizing the pre-existing vulnerabilities within the system that were exacerbated by the​ storm.
## Galway’s Digital Divide Widens After⁤ Storm Bert



**Archyde:** councillor ⁤King, Galway ‌has been struggling with a widespread internet outage as ⁢Storm ‍Bert‌ hit weeks ago. what’s the current situation on the ground?



**Councillor Gerry King:** ⁣ The situation is​ dire, notably for our most vulnerable residents. Many older people rely on landlines ⁢and personal alarm systems,⁣ which are now down alongside internet access. This ‍leaves them isolated and at risk.



**Archyde:** ​We understand ‌medical practices have been severely impacted as well.



**Councillor Gerry King:** Absolutely.‍ Clinics in Connemara were forced to close for days because they couldn’t access patient ⁣records or⁤ communicate ⁤effectively. This outage has far-reaching consequences for the entire community. ‌



**Archyde:** You’ve been critical of Eir, the company responsible⁢ for the network. Can you elaborate on your​ concerns?



**Councillor Gerry King:** This crisis exposed ​years of neglect within Eir’s ​infrastructure. The network is simply not robust enough to withstand severe weather events.We need investment and upgrades to ensure reliable connectivity for everyone.



**Archyde:** This situation ‍raises vital questions ⁣about the resilience of ⁣our telecommunications infrastructure. Shoudl there be stricter⁣ regulations or penalties for companies like Eir to ensure nationwide connectivity,particularly in rural areas?



**Archyde:**⁤ What can be done in ⁤the meantime to support those struggling without​ internet access?

## galway Struggling to connect: An Interview with [Alex Reed Name], Local Advocate



**[Host Introduction]** Welcome back to Archyde News. Weeks after Storm Bert ravaged Galway,leaving a trail of destruction in its wake,many residents are still grappling with the aftermath.While power has been largely restored, a significant portion of the county remains offline, cut off from the internet.To shed light on this critical situation and its impact on the community, we are joined by [Alex Reed Name], a local advocate who has been working tirelessly to address the connectivity crisis.



**[Alex Reed Introduction]** [Briefly introduce the Alex Reed, highlighting their connection to Galway and relevant experience]. Welcome, [Alex Reed name].



**[Host Question 1]** we understand that internet connectivity remains a major issue for many galway residents. Can you paint a picture of the situation on the ground? How widespread is the outage, and what are people experiencing?



**[Alex Reed Response]** [Allow Alex Reed to elaborate on the extent of the outage, its impact on daily life, and any specific examples or stories that highlight the severity of the situation. Encourage them to discuss the economic, social, and safety implications of the lack of connectivity].



**[Host Question 2]** Storm Bert exposed the fragility of Galway’s telecommunications infrastructure. What are the underlying reasons for this vulnerability, and are there any systemic issues that need to be addressed?



**[Alex Reed Response]** [Allow Alex Reed to discuss the reasons behind the network vulnerability, including potential factors like outdated infrastructure, lack of investment, geographical challenges, or insufficient redundancy measures].



**[Host Question 3]** What are local authorities and telecommunication companies doing to restore connectivity? Is there a clear timeline for full restoration?



**[Alex Reed Response]** [Allow Alex Reed to share details about ongoing efforts by authorities and companies to address the issue, any challenges they are facing, and potential timelines for resolution. Encourage them to discuss whether these efforts are sufficient and if there’s a need for more intervention].



**[Host Question 4]** This outage goes beyond inconvenience.Can you talk about the impact on vulnerable populations in Galway? How are people with disabilities, the elderly, or those reliant on online services coping?



**[Alex Reed response]** [Allow Alex Reed to discuss the specific vulnerabilities faced by different groups, highlighting the disproportionate impact on them].



**[Host Question 5]** What can residents do to advocate for faster and more robust solutions? Are there any community initiatives underway to address the issue?



**[Alex Reed Response]** [Allow Alex Reed to offer practical advice to residents on how they can make their voices heard, whether it be contacting local representatives, organizing community initiatives, or using social media to raise awareness. Discuss any existing grassroots efforts].



**[Host Closing]** Thank you, [Alex Reed Name], for providing valuable insights into this crucial issue facing Galway. We hope this conversation will spark further action and support for the community as they work towards restoring full connectivity.To our viewers, please stay informed and engage with local initiatives to help ensure that Galway builds back stronger and more resilient.