AN Orange Alert weather warning has been extended in Donegal until 6pm.
Wind will subside later tonight with temperatures then falling to between -1 and +2 degrees with widespread sharp or severe frost with icy stretches on untreated surfaces.
Nationally ESB Networks has now restored supply to over 55,000 homes during the day, at this time there are approximately 15,000 without supply. At the moment we have over 1400 individual faults and while our crews will continue to work into the late evening, however some damage requires more extensive construction work to be carried out. This means that unfortunately, some customers – around 5,500 – will be without supply overnight. We will have more information on these areas by 6pm. However customers who have medical conditions, are living alone or are elderly, may need to make alternative arrangements overnight.
A general update for areas:
The south west and west continues to be the most severely affected with over 400 separate faults. We have 1,500 customers without supply in Bandon and 2,500 in Killarney. We estimate that about 2000 customers in the South West may be out overnight. The worst affected locations are Kenmare, Castlemaine. Woodford and Milltown and Tarbert. Tralee has Ballybunion , Moyvane and Tarbert affected. We also have isolated pockets with small numbers of customers affected.
Newcastlewest and Ennis also have a large number of customers without power and it is unlikely that all of these will have power restored today.
In the South East, the large fault in Arklow and Avoca has now been repaired and only a small number of customers remain without power.
The North, North West and North East are less affected however some customers in Mullingar, Cavan and Dundalk remain without power. However we are continuing to work on these this evening. There is also a fault in Louisburgh.
In the Dublin/Kildare area, the original fault in Naas was repaired however a new fault in Naas town is currently being assessed. Our crews are continuing to work to restore supply to Howth, Clontarf and Ratheny and hope to have power restored this evening. We are continuing to work on a fault in Shankill.
We are re-deploying crews from areas less affected to help those locations experiencing more extensive damage.
ESB Networks has asked that only customers who are able to report the location of damage to the electricity network should call on 1850 372 999.
ESB Networks has asked that only customers who are able to report the location of damage to the electricity network should call on 1850 372 999.
Customers are therefore requested, where possible, to check PowerCheck online at; http://www.esbpowercheck.ie or download the PowerCheck app to their mobile phone to see if the fault has been logged before contacting the call centre.
ESB Networks is asking customers to report any fallen wires or emergency situations to 1850 372 999. Network Technicians are working as hard as possible to reach all customers as quickly as possible.
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 on 1850 372 999 and listen to recorded messages carefully
if you are using a generator, be careful where you site it in case of carbon monoxide poisoning
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.
customers should also ensure they have batteries for radios