Windy weather knocks tree cutting power to over 2,000 properties in Laois

ESB Networks is working to restore power to more than 2,000 after a tree fell on a powerline near Abbeyleix. 

A fault leading to 2,372 customers being left without power was reported to the ESB Networks shortly before 3.30pm today. A second fault impacting 17 consumers was noted near the Carlow Road in Abbeyleix at around 4pm. 

A spokesperson for ESB Networks said: “On what is a blustery afternoon, a tree fell on a medium voltage line feeding the Abbeyleix area in the past hour, initially impacting on almost 2,400 homes, farms and businesses. 

ESB Networks crews are currently mobilised, and are working to feed as many customers as possible from an alternative line. We expect to have the majority of customers back very soon.” 

While the vast majority impacted by the outage will have power restored shortly, a small number will remain without an electricity supply for longer.  

“A smaller cohort of customers will be without power until the fault is repaired. Real time updates are available on www.powercheck.ie. We apologise for the inconvenience caused,” the spokesperson said.