Thousands of local homes still without power

Skilled technicians from counterparts in Austria, Finland and Great Britain are now on the ground in the worst impacted areas.

Thousands of Cavan homes, farms and businesses remain without power following Storm Éowyn.

ESB Networks is mobilising all available resources to restore power to homes, farms and businesses as soon as possible.

Already power has been restored to 635,000 customers and intensive work will continue. Some 133,000 are still in the dark however.

Skilled technicians from counterparts in Austria, Finland and Great Britain are now on the ground in the worst impacted areas.

Line workers from Austria arrived in Cavan yesterday to support the effort to restore electricity to all.

Further support is arriving from France on Wednesday afternoon, this is in addition to crews due to arrive from the Netherlands over the coming days.

They are supporting local ESB Networks crews and partner contactors in the worst impacted areas, who have been bolstered by colleagues from the south and east of the country, as well as skilled retirees.

The ESB customer contact centre has also doubled its resources.

ESB Networks have updated the PowerCheck website with the expected restoration times: this shows that by Friday 31 January, the vast majority of those impacted by Storm Éowyn will have their supply restored. After this the remaining customers, approximately 100,000, will progressively have their supply restored over the course of the following week.

Estimated restoration times will continue to be updated as the restoration continues to progress.

An important Public Safety Message: ESB Networks reminds the public to Stay Safe, Stay Clear of fallen electricity wires. If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.

Warning

ESB Networks has been made aware of potentially very dangerous incidents where members of the public have unknowingly approached fallen electricity infrastructure. People are reminded to stay safe, stay clear of fallen electricity wires. If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.

Arising from storm Éowyn, and subsequent damage to the ESB network, the Health and Safey Authority (HSA) understands that electrical generators are being used to provide temporary replacement power. When installing and using electrical generators, it is crucial to ensure that the electrical installation work is carried out by a competent person.

Persons installing generators should observe the electrical safety standards and ensure they do not connect a generator to a socket or distribution board. Doing so will create a feed onto the electricity network and will pose a danger to others including ESB network repair crews. It’s important to know that portable generators can bring a fire risk and emit carbon monoxide (CO) – a poisonous, deadly gas.

store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labelled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas

use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas at least 7 metres from all doors, windows, and vent openings. Measure the 7-metre distance from the generator to the building

never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open

place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building. The exhaust must be directed away from the building

make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height

turn off generators and let them cool down before refuelling. Never refuel a generator while it is hot

never use outdoor fuel-burning equipment like barbeques or patio heaters indoors or in an unventilated area

never use indoor cooking appliances to heat a room

ensure your chimney is swept and unblocked before lighting a fire, and keep the room ventilated

install one or more Carbon Monoxide alarms and test them once a month

For more safety guidance, visit the Carbon Monoxide website.