Elphin Co-Operative Livestock Mart in Co. Roscommon had to cancel its sales this evening (Monday, December 9) due to power outages in the area from Storm Darragh.
The mart has been left without power, phone lines or internet since Friday (December 6) when the storm hit the country.
Storm Darragh caused widespread and extensive damage to electricity infrastructure across the country, which impacted 395,000 customers at the peak.
So far, ESB Networks crews and partner contractors have restored power to 375,000 customers impacted by the storm, with approximately 20,000 remaining without power following the storm (as at 5:00p.m today).
Elphin Mart has apologised for any inconvenience caused and has reminded farmers that it will hold its last sale next Monday (December 16).
Storm Darragh
To help with power outages across the country, the ESB is now receiving help from French counterparts, Enedis.
There is longstanding cooperation in place with electricity network operators in Ireland, the UK and France in providing such support.
Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne Ambassador of France, H.E. Céline Place welcomed the crews at Rosslare Europort.
Browne said it was “great” to see the “longstanding cooperation” agreement in place between the electricity network operators.
“The impact of Storm Darragh has been felt right across the country and ESB Networks teams have been working around the clock to restore power to those impacted.
“But given the scale of damage they need support, so I am delighted to be here today to welcome the skilled personnel from their French colleagues Enedis,” Minister Browne said.
Following Storm Ophelia in 2017, Enedis crews provided considerable support to ESB Networks in our electricity restoration and we were able to assist them in November 2023 following Storm Ciarán, which saw 1.2 million customers lose supply in the regions of Brittany and Normandy.