Power restored to more homes, but many still without

Many areas across Cavan still without power

Approximately 86,000 homes, farms, schools and businesses remain without power following storm Éowyn.

Thousands of those are in Cavan, with some of the worst affected areas not expecting restoration until well into next week.

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 682,000 customers and intensive work will continue.

If customers are in a position to visit www.PowerCheck.ie, ESB Networks has published estimated restore times for most of its faults, which are now the most accurate indications based on fault site assessments of when customers can expect to have their power restored. Estimated restoration times will continue to be updated as the restoration continues to progress.

It is expected that by Friday, 31 January, the vast majority of those impacted by Storm Éowyn will have their supply restored. After this the remaining customers will progressively have their supply restored over the course of the following week.

Skilled technicians from counterparts in Austria, Finland, Great Britain and France are now on the ground in the worst impacted areas. Further support is arriving from the Netherlands and Germany 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.

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.

Public safety – electricity, generators, carbon monoxide

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 Safety 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.

The public are also reminded:

• Never to use outdoor fuel-burning equipment like barbeques or patio heaters indoors or in an unventilated area.

• Never to 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 www.carbonmonoxide.ie.