The outdoor amenity at Market Square, Castlebar, destroyed by the storm.

Mayo takes a hell of a battering from Storm Eowyn

The covered outdoor dining enhancement facility at Market Square in Castlebar has been severely battered by Storm Eowyn.

The amenity, which was also used for arts and musical performances, is left in tatters as a result of the high winds early on Friday morning.

Passers-by were shocked to witness its condition on arrival in the town centre following the lifting of the Status Red wind warning this afternoon.

The issue is a priority this weekend for the outdoor staff of Mayo County Council.

The county town was hit hard by the storm with Stephen Garvey Way closed all day as a result of a large century-old tree falling onto the street from the nearby Church of Ireland graveyard.

A fallen tree blocking Stephen Garvey Way in Castlebar.

A number of old trees were also seriously damaged at the Mall while the town's inner relief road, near the entrance to the halting site, was partially blocked for a number of hours due to a fallen tree.

The scene at the Mall in the aftermath of the storm.

Council crews have been endeavouring to clear trees and debris from roads around the county.

However, it will take time for all routes to be cleared but it was not possible to clear all routes prior to nightfall.

The council is urging members of the public to exercise extreme caution on all roads at this time.

The council's gritting trucks will also be out this evening on all routes, where practical.

Over 100 trees, many as old as 200 years, have been lost to storm winds at Castlebar Golf Club in what has been a vert sad day for members.

A fallen tree on a fairway at Castlebar Golf Club.

Connacht GAA's Air Dome was destroyed during Storm Éowyn.

The multimillion euro facility in Bekan near Ballyhaunis, now known as the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome, opened in 2020 and has been a huge success due to its ability to host indoor games at all levels, regardless of the conditions.

The scene at the Connacht GAA Dome earlier.

The record-breaking winds overnight tore the inflated roof of the structure to bits, with Connacht GAA secretary John Prenty confirming that it blew down at approximately 4 a.m.

Meanwhile, many areas of the county are still awaiting the return of electricity to their homes.

People's internet and broadband has also been down for a long period, leading to a blackout of news updates.

One of the trees down at the entrance into Greenfields estate in Kiltimagh. Photo: David Conway.
A large tree at the junction of Marian Row and Pound Road is on the verge of collapsing and needs urgent attention.

* Any reader wishing to highlight an issue of concern caused by the storm can contact us via our Facebook Messenger account.

The following is a list of circulated by Mayo County Council of roads where fallen trees and debris has been reported.

Westport Belmullet Municipal District

Church road Belmulet - Road blocked

R335 Westport - Louisburgh road - Trees down at Murrisk and Belclare

R330 Westport - Ballinrobe Road - Trees down

N59 at Bangor Erris - Trees down

Grouse Hill, Glenhest - Road blocked

R319 Mulranny - Achill Road - Trees leaning over road, branches and debris cleared

N59 Westport to Leenane - Road blocked at Cushlough - Crews have beeb on site

Ballina Municipal District

N59 Sligo Road at Town Park - Trees down

N26 Foxford Road at Mocha Beans - Trees down

Pearse Street and Bury Street - Debris

Trees down on many roads in rural areas

Pedestrian bridge near Ballina Arts Centre closed due to storm damage

Castlebar Municipal District

Fallen trees and debris on Westport Road, Castlebar

To report issues call or text:

Castlebar: 0876634083

Ballina: 0873297694

Westport-Belmullet: 0874767556

Claremorris-Swinford: 0860450200

Ballinrobe: 0879940183