Storm Ashley Update: Leitrim fares better than most as ESB networks restores power to 53,000 customers

As Storm Ashley continues to disrupt power supplies across the country, ESB Networks is working hard to restore electricity to approximately 53,000 homes, farms, and businesses. While counties like Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry, and Dublin were hit hardest by the storm, Leitrim has thankfully fared better than most, experiencing only minimal disruption compared to its neighbours along the western seaboard.

Leitrim County Council has been actively responding to the storm, dealing with a handful of incidents related to fallen trees and minor road obstructions. Speaking about the situation, Kieran Brett of Leitrim County Council said:

"Leitrim County Council responded to a small number of incidents on Sunday as a result of Storm Ashley. In Manorhamilton Municipal District, there were three call-outs to deal with fallen trees on public roads, while in Ballinamore and Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal Districts, there was one call-out in each of the two areas. In addition, our Fire Service responded to two calls overnight from Sunday into Monday morning. The clean-up is ongoing, with Leitrim County Council’s road maintenance crews attending to calls as they come in from members of the public."

While Leitrim experienced these isolated incidents, the county avoided widespread power outages, unlike its neighbours. Across the country, many areas remain without electricity as ESB Networks crews work to restore power where safe to do so. The most affected counties, including Galway, Mayo, Sligo, and Clare, are facing prolonged outages, with significant numbers of customers expected to remain without power overnight.

As the clean-up continues, safety remains a top priority. ESB Networks urges residents to stay clear of any fallen electricity wires, which may still be live. Anyone who encounters damaged wires should not attempt to move them and is advised to report the situation immediately by calling ESB Networks’ emergency line at 1800 372 999.

For those who rely on electrically powered medical devices, it is especially important to make alternative arrangements if power restoration takes longer than expected.

For those in affected areas, restoration times will be updated throughout the evening as ESB Networks works diligently to repair faults. Real-time updates can be found on www.PowerCheck.ie and www.ESBNetworks.ie, where customers can check the status of outages in their area.

Although Leitrim has escaped the worst of Storm Ashley’s damage, the county’s response teams continue their work to ensure roads are cleared and any remaining issues are swiftly addressed. As Brett noted, "the clean-up to the storm continues," and the public is encouraged to report any concerns to Leitrim County Council for immediate attention.