Updated 5.50pm

AS STORM DESMOND shows no signs of letting up this evening, ESB Networks has said some 1,700 households are still without power.

Crews have been working all day to repair faults and power was restored to around 11,000 customers.

The areas most affected are Pelletstown, Castleknock, Bandon, Tuam, Foynes, Killarney and Castlebar. Some customers in Crossmolina are without power due to flooding, as the River Deale burst its banks.

The company said crews will continue to work into the evening to deal with around 150 separate faults – while it is safe to do so.

It is expected that power will be restored to most customers currently affected later this evening. However, as the winds are continuing at gale force level, it is expected that there will be further damage to the electricity network with additional outages occurring later this evening.

ESB Networks is reminding customers of the precautionary measures to take in the event of a power cut:

• Never approach broken lines or damaged poles, and keep children and animals away – report damage to ESB Networks at 1850 372 999 and listen to recorded messages carefully;
• Turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost;
• Leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored;
• Take extra care if using candles, oil lamps or other naked flames;
• Test smoke alarms with fresh batteries;
• Ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters.

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 1850 372 999.

- With reporting by Michelle Hennessy.

Updates can be found here.

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Also: Thousands of homes will be without power overnight thanks to Storm Desmond