Storm Eleanor Outage update: 55,000 customers across Ireland are left without power

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ESB Networks teams in impacted areas are responding tonight to electricity outages, where it is safe to do so
Crews will deploy again before first light tomorrow morning
Never touch or approach fallen wires. Report damage to the electricity network on 1850 372 999
Crews aiming to restore as many customers as possible this evening

Issued: 8:25 pm, Tuesday 2 January 2018

Storm Eleanor has hit Ireland’s western shores this evening, bringing gusts in excess of 130km/h, with the storm continuing to track north-eastwards. It is expected to clear the east coast by 10 pm. As of 8:15 pm, approximately 55,000 electricity customers are without power, predominantly in counties Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo, Galway, Cavan and Monaghan.

ESB Networks teams in impacted areas are responding tonight to electricity outages, where it is safe to do so. Aiming to restore as many customers as possible tonight, they will deploy again before first light tomorrow.

Further damage to the electricity network can be expected in North Leinster as the storm tracks east. Fallen trees on overhead lines are responsible for most of the damage to the network.

An Important Public Safety Message: 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 1850 372 999.

Please report any fallen lines or damage to the network immediately at 1850 372 999. We are experiencing a large volume of calls at present so we are asking customers to use our automated system on our 1850 number to get updates on estimated restoration times. Customers should have their MPRN available to access recorded information specific to their location.

If your fault is not logged please report it at https://www.esbnetworks.ie/power-outages-updates/report-a-power-outage. Customers should have their MPRN available to access recorded information specific to their location. You 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:

Never approach broken lines or damaged poles, and keep children and animals away – report damage to ESB Networks at 1850 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.

Real time information on power outages and restoration times is available at: www.esbpowercheck.ie with further information available at: https://www.esbnetworks.ie/power-outages-updates/latest-updates

View ESB Networks' video on preparing for an outage during a storm at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf8uhiZM900

A further update will issue tomorrow morning, Wednesday 3 January 2017.

-Ends- For Media Queries, please contact the ESB Press Office: 01 702 6009 / 087 2557186