LAST UPDATE | 7 Dec 2021
THOUSANDS OF HOMES are without electricity after Storm Barra made landfall earlier this morning, delivering winds of up to 113 km/h in parts of the country.
38,000 ESB Networks electricity customers have no power as of 9pm, the electricity provider confirmed this evening.
It has recorded faults in in Donegal, Mayo, Roscommon, Westmeath, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Carlow, Dublin, Offaly, Cavan and Monaghan.
One of the worst hit areas is Ardnagappary in Donegal, where more than 14,000 customers are affected as of 8.30am.
An ESB spokesperson said: “We are advising all those impacted by outages that they should prepare to be without electricity overnight and into tomorrow, with some customers potentially without power beyond that.
“It is very important that any customers who use electrically powered medical devices to contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.”
ESB Networks said damage is “mainly attributable to fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds”.
With the storm still crossing the country, more damage and interruptions to supply can be expected. ESB Networks reminds the public that if you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous.
“All internal resources are on alert and will be deployed to respond to all electricity outages once it is safe to do so,” the company said.
It added that ESB Networks’ crews will continue to work late into the evening to restore power to those affected, where safe to do so, but unfortunately, some customers will remain without electricity overnight.
“With a red weather warning in the southwest in effect until 9pm tonight, and Co Clare until 1am on Wednesday morning, some of our crews may not be mobilised on the ground until the worst of the severe weather passes.”
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
The company are advising all those impacted by outages that they should prepare to be without electricity overnight and into tomorrow, with some customers potentially without power beyond that.
They added that it is “very important” that people who use electrically powered medical devices should contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.
People are advised to turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons and so if their electricity supply is lost.
They should leave a light switched on to know when power has been restored, ESB Networks advises.
“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.”
Status red wind warnings were in place for Cork and Kerry this morning with another scheduled in Co Clare at 4pm.
However, Met Éireann has since revised the warnings.
Orange wind warnings are in place for Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Mayo and Wexford.
The rest of the country is under a yellow warning.
Irish Rail this afternoon said all of its services are up and running. However, it urged prospective commuters to check its social media feeds to ensure their train is on time.
Updates on most faults, along with their expected restoration times can be found here.
Flooding has been reported in Cork and Kerry, where some roads, including the Pier Roads/Bell Heights area of Kenmare, are impassable.
With reporting by Lauren Boland, Jane Moore and Garreth MacNamee
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