245,000 customers without power as Ophelia clean-up begins

Some 245,000 homes and businesses remain without electricity this morning after ex-Hurricane Ophelia brought gusts of up to 190km/h which tore down power lines across the country.

The ESB has said that most customers will be back on the grid within three to four days, though it could take up to 10 days to restore supply to all areas.

Spokeswoman Bernadine Maloney, said: “We are prioritising electricity to infrastructure, such as water and communications.”

DO NOT APPROACH If you come across fallen trees there may be fallen wires that could be live & dangerous. STAY CLEAR phone 1850 372 999. pic.twitter.com/SyXx8Uyy4H

— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) October 16, 2017

“The northern part of the country hasn't been as badly affected and when the power is restored there, including Northern Ireland, we will have crews there to help with the restoration effort.”

The electricity provider has also urged the public to stay away from fallen trees as there may be cable hidden within the debris. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1850372999. 

It's estimated that around 20,000 households are without water today, with Irish Water warning that this number could rise significantly depending on electricity supply returning to treatment plants.

Meanwhile 30,000 Eir customers have had their services affected, and that number is expected to rise today as back-up batteries run out.

The National Emergency Coordination Group will meet this morning at 10am to assess damage reports from across the country following Storm Ophelia.

Feature Image: Twitter