Almost 7,500 without power in wider Athlone region

About 7,500 customers in the wider Athlone region are without power this morning as the area continues to count the cost of Storm Ellen.

The storm hit the region with greater ferocity than expected overnight.

The Athlone area suffered a number of power outages, and an estimated 3,500 customers in the wider town region are without power this morning.

Badly hit were people in the Summerhill/Monksland area, where some 1,300 are affected by electricity cuts and another 1,860 in the Ballykeeran/Glasson region.

Also impacted was the Ballinasloe area where almost 4,000 customers in total are understood to be without power.

There are numerous reports of trees down in the region and motorists are advised to take particular care this morning.

Debris is also a particular problem as many roads are strewn with branches and other hazards.

Nationally, gale force winds associated with Storm Ellen last night and in the early hours of this morning have caused significant damage to the electricity network affecting more than 194,000 homes, farms and businesses.

ESB Networks says the damage is widespread, with southern, western and Midlands counties are most impacted. Approximately 40,000 homes, farms and businesses in Cork city and county are without power. The damage is mainly attributable to fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds.

ESB Networks crews are being dispatched this morning in the most affected areas where safe to do so, assessing the damage so that they can restore power as quickly and effectively as possible. In addition to safety procedures associated with power restoration, crews are also working under all national Covid-19 protocols with respect to hygiene, social distancing and PPE.

Based on previous experience of Storm Ophelia in 2017, where about 385,000 customers were left without supply, ESB Networks says it will take a number of days to restore power to all customers.

A spokesperson said: "We are advising all customers impacted by outages that they should prepare to be without electricity for a number of days. It is very important that any customers who use electrically powered medical devices should contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary."

ESB Networks has also reminding people they should never approach fallen trees, wires of any part of a damaged electricity network.

Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.

If your fault is not logged please report it at www.esbnetworks.ie or on 1800 372 999. Customers should have their MPRN available to access recorded information specific to their location. You can also check @ESBNetworks on Twitter for updates.