Severe storms cause havoc countrywide

Saturday 17th January brought the first severe weather event of this winter. Severe storm force winds from the Atlantic damaged trees and brought down electricity lines across the country, leaving approximately 90,000 customers without power at its height.

The storm hit the south west coast of the country in the late Saturday morning causing widespread disruption to electricity and transport infrastructure around counties Cork and Kerry. The severe winds then travelled eastwards bringing trees down and flinging debris onto the power lines right along the west coast and across the middle of the country. ESB Networks crews moved quickly to begin the restoration process, operating at all times with regard to public safety and their own safety.

According to Met Eireann, record wind speeds in excess of 180kmh were registered in Mayo at the height of the storm.

The National Customer Contact Centre, called in extra staff to handle the huge increase in call traffic as customers lost power. ESB staff worked throughout the day and well into the night restoring power and providing up to date information to the public on the restoration process.

Approximately 5,000 electricity customers in pockets around the country were without power over the Saturday, but ESB Networks crews began working at first light on Sunday bringing power back to those customers. The efforts to restore power were further hampered by a severe lightning storm on the west and northwest coasts over Saturday night. Electricity users in Donegal, who had escaped the worst of the winds were affected by the lightning adding further pressure on the crews working to around the country.

All customers affected by the storms had power restored by 10pm on Sunday evening. John Shine, Managing Director of ESB Networks Ltd, thanked all the crews who worked so hard to restore power despite the weather conditions. "The hard work and preparation of all the staff has allowed us to react well to the severe weather, the speedy restoration power to so many customers is a testament to the commitment of all staff to provide first class customer service." he said.