LIVE: Over 10,000 Longford ESB customers without power and many facing a restoration date of February 3

Over 10,000 Longford ESB customers are still without power in the wake of  Storm Éowyn and many of those impacting are facing a long wait until the estimated restoration date of Monday, February 3.

An ESB spokesperson told Longford Live that the ESB Networks’ Longford district, which encompasses parts of Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan and Westmeath, ;has approximately 23,000 customers without power'.  

The spokesperson added, "Major areas include: Longford Town – 4,500; Aghamore - 3,300; Ballymahon -1,300 and Edgeworthstown - 1,200."

Also read: Latest: Water tankers in several locations in Longford as Uisce Éireann crews work to restore water supplies

The estimated power restoration dates for the customers impacted are published on www.PowerCheck.ie and over 2,500 of the Longford customers without power could have to wait until Monday week, February 3, before they have power restored. 

Extreme, damaging and destructive winds associated with Storm Éowyn have caused widespread and extensive damage to the electricity network across the country. 

Also read: UPDATE: Most Longford regional roads passable as council crews continue massive Storm Éowyn clean up

The impact on customers and damage to the electricity network nationwide is unprecedented. This is by far the worst storm experienced by ESB Networks both in terms of customers losing supply and the scale of damage across the network. 

Also read: Longford emergency services tackle devastating house fire

As at 5pm (Saturday, January 25), approximately 402,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power, ESB Networks teams have restored power to 366,000 customers since Friday afternoon. 

Power restoration by all ESB Networks crews and partner contractors will continue late into the evening and will commence once again at first light tomorrow morning, and we expect to make good progress restoring supplies over the weekend and into next week, wind conditions permitting.    

Also read: Storm Éowyn Longford: It's an ill wind that blows no good

The restoration time required for the storm response remains dynamic given the widespread and extensive damage to the network.

Having restored power to over 366,000 customers, we expect to restore power to a further 300,000 by Friday night, January 31.

For the remaining customers, these will progressively have power restored over the course of the following week. This will remain dynamic and weather conditions may impact on the restoration work. 

Estimated restoration times (ERTs) are being updated this evening and tomorrow and will be available to view on ww.PowerCheck.ie and updated as our work progresses. We advise customers to sign up for our “Keep me Notified” service for power outages on www.PowerCheck.ie to receive status updates directly. 

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. 

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.