ALERT: ESB warns of 'very dangerous' incident that could occur following weekend of storms

ESB Networks has restored supply to at least 490,000 homes, farms and businesses while 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 has issued an important Public Safety Message:

"We have 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. 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.  

ESB Networks has published estimated restore times for most of its faults on www.PowerCheck.ie, which are now our most accurate indications based on fault site assessments of when customers can expect to have their power restored, ESB has stated.

Estimated restoration times will continue to be updated as the restoration continues to progress and weather conditions may impact on the restoration work, ESB said.

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, according to ESB.

ESB Networks restores power to 490,000 customers impacted by Storm Éowyn following unprecedented damage as estimated restoration times now available on https://t.co/GXyuew9fZu.

Press release: https://t.co/kHUroTVvCs pic.twitter.com/OWNJhk0eR3

— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) January 26, 2025

ESB said crews are continuing to work late into the evening in difficult conditions due to Storm Herminia, and while this storm hasn’t caused significant damage to the network; however, it has made power restoration more challenging in places.

READ NEXT: ALERT: Met Éireann's Irish weather forecast for week includes status yellow warning

Support is being received from Great Britain, according to ESB, 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, ESB said.

ESB has also reported an increase 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 stated.