Wednesday 30 December 2015: 10:30 am

Gale force winds from Storm Frank with gusts of over 120 km/h have caused damage to the electricity infrastructure nationwide. Falling trees and timber are responsible for most of the damage.

ESB Networks crews worked till late last night and were out at first light this morning to restore power to customers affected by Storm Frank.

At present, around 13,000 customers are without power. The main areas affected are:
• Bandon/Fermoy 4000
• Cobh 2000
• Carnew 1200
• Athlone 1000
• Maynooth 600

Crews from ESB Networks have been dispatched in the affected areas, making the electricity network safe and assessing the damage, so that they can restore power as quickly and effectively as possible.

Met Éireann has forecast that the storm is due to abate later today. ESB Networks are confident that power will be restored to all customers currently affected by this evening.

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.

Customers without power can check for updates on when their fault is expected to be repaired at: http://www.esbpowercheck.ie. If your fault is not appearing on Powercheck, please report it by phoning 1850 372 999.

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.

ESB Networks apologises to customers for the loss of supply caused by Storm Frank.

Ends