3,500 ESB  customers remain without power in Louth

As of this evening, approximately 3,500 ESB  customers remain without power across County Louth, with about 1,700 of these in Dundalk, following widespread and extensive damage caused by Storm Éowyn.

In Dundalk, significant damage has been reported in St. Helena’s Park, where large trees – including two 150-year-old hornbeam trees – were felled by the powerful gusts. This led to a substantial clean-up operation, which began early the following morning. 

The residents of Hackballscross have also faced significant water disruptions, with Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú voicing frustrations over recurring issues in the area. The storm's impact exposed infrastructural weaknesses in the water supply system, leaving many residents without water for prolonged periods over the weekend.

Deputy Ó Murchú outlined the challenges during and after the storm, pointing to a lack of robustness in key infrastructure. The problem began when power outages and generator issues disrupted the pump station that fills the Dunbin reservoir. This reservoir is critical to the local water supply, and any interruption cascades through the system, affecting Hackballscross and surrounding areas.

The delays were compounded by an airlock in the pipeline, which slowed the restoration of water services. Despite assurances that the system would be straightforward to restart, it took extensive venting and manual interventions to resume normal operations. 

Even with these efforts, some residents remained without water today. Deputy Ó Murchú explained that there was a problem with the pump near Callan’s Pub and how it’s monitored.  He said that short-term power outages can knock the pumps offline, and if no one catches it in time there can be severe disruption.

While praising the efforts of workers on the ground, Ó Murchú stressed the need for structural improvements. “You have to commend the guys that are out doing the work, but we need to look at the infrastructural deficits.”

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As clean-up operations continue across the county, Louth County Council has issued safety advice, particularly for landowners. The Council is urging local landowners to inspect roadside trees, which may have been weakened by the storm. The Council is continuing its efforts to clear roads, restore power, and ensure water supplies are fully restored. Residents are encouraged to report any hazards or fallen trees to the Council's emergency hotline.

David Jones, Louth County Council Director of Placemaking and Physical Development, praised those who took part in the cleanup effort saying: “I’d like to extend my appreciation to everyone in the county for the effort they showed in preparation and response to the severe storm—the worst we have seen in two decades.”

Kevin Callan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, also expressed his gratitude, saying: “I wanted to thank everyone in Louth County Council who responded to Storm Éowyn, which was particularly harsh and has had a substantial impact across the county. The efforts of all within Louth County Council are to be commended.”

Local businesses rallied to support the community during the storm. Costcutter offered hot water for those in need and fridge space for residents to store food. The Four Seasons in Carlingford opened its leisure club for hot showers and allowed locals to charge phones and access Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, The Fairways Hotel in Dundalk set up free shared workspaces for anyone impacted by power outages, ensuring that people could still work.