ESB in urgent safety appeal following 'very dangerous incidents' in the wake of Storm Éowyn

As the clean-up continues following Storm Éowyn, ESB Networks has issued an urgent appeal to members of the public not to go near live wires which may have been damaged by the record winds.

The utility says it has been made aware of several instances of "potentially very dangerous incidents" where members of the public have unknowingly approached fallen electricity infrastructure.

Urging vigilance, a spokesperson said: "Fallen debris after a storm can prevent people from seeing hidden risks such as wires entangled into trees and branches. If you come 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."

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Meanwhile, more than 400,000 homes, farms and businesses remain with power this Saturday night as the clean-up continues following Storm Éowyn.

ESB Networks says "extreme, damaging and destructive" winds associated with Storm Éowyn have caused widespread and extensive damage to the electricity network across the country. 

"The impact on customers and damage to the electricity network nationwide is unprecedented. This is by far the worst storm experienced by ESB Networks both in terms of customers losing supply and the scale of damage across the network," said a spokesperson.

In its latest update, it says approximately 402,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power.  ESB Networks teams have restored power to 366,000 customers since Friday afternoon. 

"Power restoration by all ESB Networks crews and partner contractors will continue late into the evening and will commence once again at first light tomorrow (Sunday) morning, and we expect to make good progress restoring supplies over the weekend and into next week, wind conditions permitting," said a spokesperson.

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ESB Networks says the restoration time required for the storm response remains dynamic given the widespread and extensive damage caused to the network.

"Having restored power to over 366,000 customers, we expect to restore power to a further 300,000 by Friday night, January 31. For the remaining customers, these will progressively have power restored over the course of the following week. This will remain dynamic and weather conditions may impact on the restoration work," added the spokesperson.

Estimated restoration times (ERTs) are being updated this Saturday evening and on Sunday morning and will be available to view at PowerCheck.ie and updated as our work progresses. 

ESB Networks says it acknowledges the disruption to family and commercial life that power outages cause and it has thanked customers across the country who remain without power for their patience as its crews work to safely restore power.