Thousands of Homes Still in the Dark a Week After Storm Éowyn
A week after Storm Éowyn wreaked havoc across Ireland and Northern Ireland, thousands of homes, businesses, and farms remain without power, with some 108,000 still in the dark in the aftermath of the record-breaking storm. ESB Networks, the electricity supplier, has managed to restore power to 660,000 customers, down from a peak of 768,000 initially left without power in the storm’s wake, which brought gusts of up to 183km/h.
Despite the progress made in power restoration, ESB Networks has issued a warning about the dangers posed by fallen electricity infrastructure and debris in the worst-affected areas. They have highlighted several “very dangerous incidents” where members of the public have unknowingly approached hazardous areas. The electricity supplier is facing the mammoth task of replacing up to 3,000 electricity poles and laying 900km of new cable across the country to fully restore power.
Northern Ireland has also felt the impact of the storm, with around 23,500 customers still without power, a significant decrease from the initial 261,500 affected. Northern Ireland Electricity Networks has been working tirelessly to restore power to the remaining customers, highlighting the challenges faced in the aftermath of such a powerful storm.
Uisce Éireann, the national water authority, has been working to restore water supply to affected areas, with generators now in place and connected at most water treatment sites. Alternative water supplies and tankers have been deployed to ensure that communities have access to water while normal supplies are being restored. The water authority is actively liaising with local coordination groups and emergency response hubs to prioritize areas in need and tanker water directly to reservoirs or networks where feasible.
Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann, emphasized the priority of restoring electricity to plants and pumping stations running on generators. She highlighted the impact of prolonged water supply loss on customers and assured that teams are providing alternative supplies in affected areas, with plans to deploy more as needed. Customers have been urged to conserve water to protect supply during the ongoing outages.
In a show of solidarity, the EU has dispatched 17 power generators to aid in the power restoration efforts, demonstrating international support in times of crisis. However, the storm’s impact has not been limited to power outages, with several schools reporting significant damage in its aftermath. The Department of Education has called on affected schools to reach out for assistance and support in addressing the damages incurred.
As the restoration efforts continue, it is crucial for affected communities to stay informed and prepared for updates on power and water supply restoration. By signing up for push alerts, joining The Irish Times on WhatsApp, and tuning into the Inside Politics podcast, individuals can stay up to date with the latest news, analysis, and commentary on the ongoing recovery efforts in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.
