Bird strike confirmed as reason thousands of Irish homes had power cut on Christmas Day

A bird strike was the reason thousands of homes in Offaly were left without power on Christmas day, the ESB has confirmed.

An ESB spokesperson confirmed that the significant power outage which affected approximately 4,400 customers on Christmas morning in the Tullamore area was caused by a bird strike on a line feeding an area of the town.

"Crews mobilised immediately and supply was restored to all customers just after midday," the spokesperson said.

"ESB Networks apologises for the inconvenience caused". 

ESB Networks also confirm that the planned outages will take place in the town in the coming weeks.

One of these will occur on Thursday, 18 January in order to support the future installation of broadband infrastructure in Tullamore and surrounding parts.

All customers impacted by planned outages will be notified in advance via post, the spokesperson said.

Some houses are facing a possible 9 hour disruption. 

Houses in these areas received a note this week informing them that there will be an electricity supply interruption from 7 am until 4 pm to facilitate repairs on January 18th. 

"We regret that in order to carry out urgent work in your area, it will be necessary to interrupt your supply of electricity on the dates and times shown below. These times are approximate," the note to households reads. 

The ESB also warned customers to regard the connection to their house as being live during outages, as electricity supply may be restored at any time, sometimes for brief periods, while work is being carried out. 

The timing of the possible outage has been criticised by residents, particularly if it begins at 7am, when residents are getting ready to go to work and school.