Storm Éowyn damage impacts on 560,000 homes, farms and businesses
ESB Networks today (Friday, January 24) said there had been been "unprecedented, widespread and extensive damage to electricity infrastructure" across the country as a result of Storm Éowyn.
An estimated 560,000 customers have been impacted overnight and early Friday morning and ESB Networks said it anticipated "significant further outages as Storm Éowyn moves across the country".
Met Éireann has warned that there will be a “danger to life” as the storm tracks across the country which will lead to extremely dangerous travelling conditions.
Status Red and Orange wind warnings will remain in place for the entire country until later this afternoon.
Storm Éowyn
According to ESB Networks "significantly more power outages can be expected throughout the day as the storm tracks northwards".
It added: "Even at current numbers, the damage to the electricity network and impact on customers has been unprecedented.
"ESB Networks continue to closely monitor the storm impact on power supplies and all available resources stand ready to mobilise once safe to do so".
However it has warned that from its experience of previous significant weather events and due to the severity of Storm Éowyn, "we expect that power restoration will take a significant number of days".
Warning to farmers
Farm organisations have appealed to farm families to be especially mindful of their own safety and surroundings throughout the storm and in its aftermath.
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has warned that during the storm, farm families will face challenges in carrying out their work.
The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) has also urged “community-minded farmers” to take care and minimise personal risks during Storm Éowyn.
IFA president Francie Gorman said: "It is absolutely essential that farmers think of their own safety, and the safety of their families and their neighbours".
Meanwhile the IFA national farm family and social affairs chair, Teresa Roche, said that while farmers will want to care for their livestock, their priority should be their own safety.
“I would encourage everybody to take precaution around their farmyard and farm to see what can be done to limit the risks of the high wind speeds expected.
"Anybody farming near coastal areas should be very vigilant,” she added.
The IFA has also asked farmers to check with any neighbours who may be isolated and to give them whatever assistance they can.
ESB Networks has also advised if anyone comes 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 1800 372 999," it added.
