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Back to Press Releases 07 December 2024

ESB Networks Storm Darragh update

  • As at 8:45pm on Saturday 7th December, approximately 120,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power. Power has been restored to 275,000 customers over the course of the day
  • There has been widespread and extensive damage to electricity infrastructure which impacted 395,000 customers at the peak. The impact is similar to that of Storm Ophelia in 2017
  • All ESB Networks crews and partner contractors will continue working into tonight to safely restore power to as many customers as possible in challenging conditions, before mobilising again at first light tomorrow morning
  • Significant numbers may be without supply for a number of days. Due to the severity and significant scale of the damage some customers could be without power for approximately a week. Assessment of the extent of damage is continuing
  • Given the scale of the damage and the dynamic nature of the event, we will continue to confirm restoration times for customers and we will update www.PowerCheck.ie as information is confirmed
  • Stay Safe, Stay Clear of fallen electricity wires. Report any damage to the network by calling 1800 372 999

Issued: 8:50pm on Saturday, 7th December 2024 

As at 8:45pm, approximately 120,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power following extremely strong and gusty winds associated with Storm Darragh which have caused widespread and extensive damage to the electricity network across the country. ESB Networks teams have restored power to 275,000 customers over the course of the day.

Storm Darragh is similar in impact to Storm Ophelia in 2017, which left 385,000 customers without power at the peak but with more widespread impact across the country.

All ESB Networks crews and partner contractors will continue working into tonight to safely restore power to as many customers as possible in challenging conditions, before mobilising again at first light tomorrow morning.

Large numbers of customers impacted by Storm Darragh have had their power restored throughout today but significant numbers may be without supply for a number of days. Due to the severity and significant scale of the damage some customers could be without power for approximately a week. Assessment of the extent of damage is continuing.

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

Given the scale of the damage and the dynamic nature of the event, we will continue to confirm restoration times for customers and we will update www.PowerCheck.ie as information is confirmed. We advise customers to sign up for our “Keep me Updated” service for power outages on www.PowerCheck.ie to receive status updates directly. Our Customer Contact Centre Agents will be supporting customers throughout Storm Darragh but will not be in a position to provide outage information until the network assessment has been fully conducted.  

We acknowledge the disruption to family and commercial life this causes, and thank customers across the country, especially those who will remain without power over the coming days, for their patience as our crews work to safely restore power.

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. 

ENDS/