One hundred thousand ESB customers have been left without power this morning due to damage to electricity wires by Storm Debi.
Many households in Galway, Longford and Meath have been affected, with ESB confirming that the latest figure was 100,000 customers without power.
The areas worst hit are predominantly in Western, Midwest and Midlands counties - with power estimated to be restored by 6pm on Monday evening in most areas.
A spokesperson for ESB told the Irish Mirror: "Storm force winds associated with Storm Debi has caused damage to the electricity network overnight, predominantly in Western, Midwest and Midlands counties.
"[100,000] homes, farms and businesses are without power, but this number may rise as the storm tracks eastwards. All available resources are deployed, and ESB Networks crews will respond to all electricity outages once it’s safe to do so. Further updates will issue in due course.
"An Important Public Safety Message: 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."
The regional manager with ESB networks, Brian Tapley, told RTE that the worst impacted areas are Tuam in Galway as well as Longford and the midlands and that crews would likely be working 'late into the night'.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Tapley said: "Obviously the storm is still impacting different parts of the country so we'll be slow to send crews out until it's safe to do so.
"But any emergency calls are being attended to.
"Our priority will be to make anything unsafe, safe and start restoring supply and carrying out repairs. As the storm fully passes, the majority of our crews will be deployed and we'll be making networks safe."
He continued: "With 100,000 without supply we're going to be working late into the night to get the majority of our customers back."
As of 9.30am some of the biggest power outages have been reported in:
- Longford town - 2270 Customers are affected
Glenamaddy - 1517 Customers are affected
Salthill - 1762 Customers are affected
Ashbourne - 1480 Customers are affected
Loughshinny - 1350 Customers are affected
Gort - 959 Customers are affected
Tulla - 801 Customers are affected
Mohill - 676 Customers are affected
You can check if your area is affected and what time power will be restored here.
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