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Power cuts

67,000 ESB customers still without power as Storm Ali causes havoc

People have been warned to stay away from fallen power lines.

LAST UPDATE | Sep 19th 2018, 8:20 PM

irl Map of power outages ESB ESB

ABOUT 67,000 CUSTOMERS are still without power as a result of Storm Ali. 

The outages are affecting homes, farms and businesses across the country. 

ESB Networks said the areas most affected are Cavan, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Castlebar, Galway, Portlaoise, Dundalk, Mullingar and parts of north county Dublin. 

Throughout the day, the organisation has restored power to over 119,000 premises. 

More than 2,000 individual faults have been reported across the country. The power outages are mainly down to fallen trees damaging power lines in the high winds – there were gusts of up to 147km/h in some areas.

ESB repair crews have been mobilised and are working to restore power to all affected customers. 

‘Risk to life’ 

People have been warned to stay away from fallen power lines.

A spokesperson said there is “extensive damage with low hanging and fallen lines nationwide”.

We urge the public to remain vigilant, stay clear and to ring 1850 372 999 if they spot a low or fallen ESB line. They are a risk to life.

ESB Networks has the following advice for customers 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

A Status Orange wind warning was in place for most of the country earlier today but has since been lifted.  

Two people have died as a result of the storm, in Galway and Newry, and the second day of the National Ploughing Championships had to be cancelled. 

With reporting by Rónán Duffy and Adam Daly 

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