Updated 19.55
LESS THAN 5,000 HOMES are now without power around the country after Storm Barney’s windy rampage.
The ESB have confirmed that technicians have made good progress in repairing downed lines that left some 25,000 homes in the dark last night.
Timber contractors have been deployed to assist with the clearing of fallen trees and timber nationwide.
The utility is confident that the majority of remaining customers who are operating without power will have their supply restored later tonight.
Isolated pockets of communities remain unplugged at present, predominantly in the south of the country.
One of those areas is Ennis, Co Clare, where currently 700 homes are without power.
Barney’s gale force winds brought down trees and power lines, taking out the power of some 45,000 ESB customers over the last two days.
The ESB has pointed out that with further bad weather expected it can offer no guarantees as high winds may cause additional faults.
Emergency updates can be followed on the utility’s website here.
ESB Networks has also warned that members of the public should not approach fallen wires or damaged cables if they see them, and should call 1850 372 999.
A status yellow warning remains in place for the whole country until 10pm.
Gusts of up to 100 km per hour can be expected in exposed coastal areas.
Travel conditions appear to be returning to normal.
Irish Rail has however reported a slight delay on the Dublin-Galway line due to a lightning strike.
Anyone travelling or commuting this evening is advised to allow extra time for their journey.
Additional reporting Cianan Brennan
- First published 07.59am.
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