ESB crews working to restore power to areas hit by storm

Further high winds overnight left 59,000 homes, farms and businesses without power.

As at 8:15 am, approximately 59,000 electricity customers were without power across the country though many areas have already seen their electricity supply restored.

Counties along the Western and Northwestern Seaboard from Donegal to Kerry are most impacted.

A number of areas - largely around Cavan Town - were among those hit by power cuts but all appear to have been rectified.

There are still close to 1,300 customers in the Carrigallen area of neighbouring County Leitrim without power; while over 1,850 customers in Mohill have no electricity.

In Emyvale in County Monaghan, almost 200 customers have no power.

Estimated restoration times for areas affected range from 10:30pm tonight until 6:30am tomorrow.

In a statement, ESB Networks said its crews are mobilising in the impacted areas to commence the network repair. While poor weather conditions may hamper repair in some areas, ESB Networks will be doing everything it can to restore power to the majority of these customers by the end of today.

However, some customers may be potentially without power into tomorrow (Thursday).

"It is very important that any impacted customers who use electrically powered medical devices contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.

"We apologise for the disruption to family and commercial life these interruptions in electricity supply have caused," said a spokesperson.

"With Storm Barra subsiding, we urge everyone to remain alert to any damage to the electricity network while when out and about today. Assume any fallen wires are live and pose a risk to life. Stay safe, stay clear and report any damage to us immediately on 1800 372 999."

In addition to safety procedures associated with power restoration, crews continue to work under all national Covid-19 protocols with respect to hygiene, social distancing and PPE.

Customers without power can check for updates on when their fault is expected to be restored, or log a fault, at www.powercheck.ie. Customers can also check @ESBNetworks on Twitter for updates.

ESB Networks is reminding customers of the precautionary measures to take in the event of a power cut:

• Stay Safe, Stay Clear: Never approach broken lines or damaged poles, and keep children and animals away – report damage to ESB Networks at 1800 372 999 and listen to recorded messages carefully

• Turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost

• Leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored

• Take extra care if using candles, oil lamps or other naked flames

• Test smoke alarms with fresh batteries

• Ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters.