- Stay Safe, Stay Clear of fallen electricity wires. Report any damage to network by calling 1800 372 999
- As at 12 noon, more than 80,000 electricity customers remain without power across the country
- Safety of public and crews is critical. ESB Networks will be making safe faults throughout the day and restoring supply remotely and on site when safe to do so
- Check estimated restoration times or report an outage on Powercheck.ie
Issued: Friday 18 February 2022, 12 noon
Gale force winds associated with Storm Eunice, with gusts of over 130 km/h, have caused damage this morning to the electricity network affecting more than 80,000 homes, farms and businesses. The damage is mainly attributable to fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds.
So far, the damage has been most extensive in West Cork and Kerry, with most impacted areas including Kilgarvan, Caherciveen, Milltown, Bandon, Bantry, Ballydehob and Dunmanway. Further east, power outages have occurred in Clonmel and Wexford town. With strong winds still crossing the south of the country, more damage and interruptions to supply can be expected. ESB Networks reminds the public to never, ever touch or approach fallen overhead lines as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous.
All available resources are being deployed to respond to all electricity outages once it is safe to do so. With the worst of the storm in the Southwest abating, crews have now safely mobilised and repair work has commenced. They will work through this afternoon into this evening restoring as many customers without power as possible. However, with a yellow wind and rain warning in place nationwide until 6pm, poor weather conditions may hamper crews in restoring power. As it stands, ESB Networks are working towards having power restored to the majority of customers impacted by tonight. However, such is the damage to the electricity network in the southwest, it is likely that there will be some customers in South Kerry and West Cork without power overnight.
Customers without power can check for updates on when their fault is expected to be repaired at www.powercheck.ie
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 1800 372 999. 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:
- 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.
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