ESB Networks: Power restoration may take 'more than a week' in some places

ESB Networks has said that power restoration may take “more than a week” in some places throughout the country.

Extreme, damaging and destructive winds associated with Storm Éowyn have caused widespread and extensive damage to the electricity network across the country with approximately 625,000 homes, farms and businesses - as of 5:25pm today, Friday - without power, down from a peak of 768,000 customers without power earlier today.

The impact on customers and damage to the electricity network nationwide is unprecedented. 

READ NEXT: Live Updates: Storm Éowyn and its impact on Donegal

With Met Éireann Red and Orange wind warnings fully lifted, ESB Networks crews and partner contractors are now deployed where safe to do so, assessing damage at fault sites and restoring supply where possible. Power restoration will continue into the evening and commence once again at first light tomorrow morning, and we expect to make good progress restoring supplies over the weekend and into next week.

“However, from our experience of previous significant weather events and due to the severity of Storm Éowyn, we expect that power restoration will take more than a week in the worst impacted areas,” a spokesperson for ESB Networks said.

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