Roof blows off Mullingar business during Storm Éowyn
The staff at a Mullingar business had to act fast when a portion of the roof was torn off by Storm Éowyn early on Friday morning.
Extensive damage was caused to the roof of the CL Tool Hire and Sales premises at Mullingar Business Park. This is the second major setback to hit the business in recent years after its original base in Walshestown was destroyed by fire in late 2022.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, accounts manager Helen Fagan said that staff had to mobilise early on Friday.
“We all had to come in and clear the shop,” she said.
While the shop remained closed over the weekend, the tool hire section of the business was open on Saturday and generators were in huge demand due to the widespread power outages, Helen said.
In a post on social media on Friday, CL Tool Hire and Sales paid tribute “to our amazing friends and staff for helping us today”.
The Lynch family were praised on social media for how they handled this latest obstacle.
“The resilience of the CL Hire team is unbelievable. The roof blown off their shop on Friday, business as usual on Saturday for hire and sales. Full Marks to Ann, Caroline, James and team,” a member of the public posted on the business’s Facebook page.
Mullingar Chamber
Mullingar Chamber president James Bourke also praised the Lynches for their resilience. He said that Storm Éowyn affected the majority of local businesses.
“It was an unprecedented weather event that caused substantial damage to some business premises and interruption for other businesses as well – there were knock-on effects for logistics, deliveries and things like that,” he said.
“At the moment the big one is the lack of electricity, which is particularly affecting many rural businesses.
“We are also seeing a lot of goodwill from businesses in the town. For example, the hotels invited people to come in have a couple of tea, charge their phones, use their WiFi and get a bit of heat, as well.”
Mr Bourke also praised the authorities, including Westmeath County Council, for their response both during and after the storm.