Some 278,000 homes and businesses remain without power

As of 5.25pm (Sunday), ESB Networks said it had restored supply to 490,000 homes, farms and businesses.

At this time, 278,000 customers remain without supply, down from a peak of 768,000 on early Friday morning following the unprecedented impact of Storm Éowyn.

ESB Networks has published estimated restore times for most of its faults on www.PowerCheck.ie. Estimated Restoration Times will continue to be updated as the restoration continues to progress and weather conditions may impact on the restoration work.

ESB Networks said it anticipates that the vast majority of customers who lost power during Storm Éowyn will have supply restored by Friday night, 31 January. For the remaining customers, these will progressively have power restored over the course of the following week – this could be as many as 100,000 customers.

Crews are continuing to work late into the evening in difficult conditions due to Storm Herminia. This storm hasn’t caused significant damage to the network; however, it has made power restoration more challenging in places. Crews will commence work once again at first light tomorrow morning. Power restoration efforts will remain dynamic and weather conditions may impact on the restoration work.

A spokesperson said: "Support is being received from Great Britain and we have requested further support from electricity network operators across Europe. In addition, ESB Networks crews from the south and east of the country are being redeployed to the worst impacted areas once restoration in their areas has been completed, while skilled retirees from ESB Networks are also being redrafted to assist."

"We advise customers to sign up for our “Keep me Notified” service for power outages on www.PowerCheck.ie to receive status updates directly. To sign up please enter your Eircode and the mobile number associated with your account.

"We have also been made aware of scam text messages purporting to come from ESB Networks. We ask that customers do not engage directly, do not share any personal information if asked, and block and report the suspicious number if necessary."

ESB also said it had been made aware of several instances of potentially very dangerous incidents where members of the public have unknowingly approached fallen electricity infrastructure. 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, it advised.

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

It is important that any impacted customers who use electrically powered medical devices contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.

The ESB spokesperson said: "We acknowledge the disruption to family and commercial life this causes and thank customers across the country who remain without power for their patience as our crews work to safely restore power. "