Frustration as over 400 Longford customers are still without power twelve days since Storm Éowyn

Twelve days since Storm Éowyn struck, approximately 400 Longford customers are still without power and some of them could be waiting until this Saturday, February 8 before their power is restored. 

As of 12.20pm today (Tuesday, February 4), and according to www.PowerCheck.ie there are 228 customers in Longford (area covers Ballinalee, Drumlish / Ballinamuck and Mullinalaghta), 71 in Aghamore (Lanesboro & Killashee), 26 in Egeworthstown and 83 in Ballymahon and the estimated power restore date in most instances is tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5.

However, fifty customers in Ballymahon have estimated restore times of 10.30 on Friday, February 7 (27 customers) and 09.45 on Saturday, February 8 (23 customers). 

Also read: Longford County Council crews commended for Storm Éowyn response

An update from ESB stated; "In the areas with the largest number of faults, as ESB Networks make progress to repair the extensive damage, some customers may see their estimated restoration times change over the coming days. If you are in a position to visit www.PowerCheck.ie, estimated restoration times will continue to be updated.

"Customers who remain without power will progressively have their supply restored over the course of next week.

"In some instances, when carrying out restoration work on main lines, customers whose power has been reconnected should be aware that power may have to be disconnected again for very short periods of time to allow neighbours to be reconnected. These interruptions ensure that restoration work can safely take place on the system.

"Skilled technicians from counterparts in Austria, Finland, France, Great Britain, Germany, Netherlands and Norway are on the ground in the worst impacted areas. They are supporting over 2,500 local ESB Networks crews and partner contactors who have been bolstered by colleagues from the south and east of the country, as well as skilled retirees.

"In addition to the crews deployed, over 1,300 support staff are involved in overseeing damage assessment, emergency call management, logistics and network operations. ESB Networks’ customer contact centre has also doubled its resources to accommodate the unprecedented high volumes of calls, resulting in short call response times throughout the day and night for their customers." 

Also read: 'I have nothing' - Huge anger as people feel abandoned by government after Storm Éowyn

Important Public Safety Message: ESB Networks is reinforcing its vital warning around public safety as we are into day seven of the restoration of supply following Storm Éowyn. We still have many faults on the electricity network and have been made aware of several instances of potentially very dangerous incidents where members of the public have unknowingly approached fallen electricity infrastructure, particularly in the worst impacted areas of the country. Following a significant weather event like Storm Éowyn, fallen debris 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. 

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.      

Also read: RIP: 'He was the love of my life' - Heartbreak as young man killed during Storm Éowyn laid to rest