Thousands without power in Mayo as Storm Éowyn shows no signs of stopping

Co Mayo is undoubtedly one of the worst affected areas by the record-breaking Storm Éowyn. 

Thousands across the county are now in darkness as the Status Red wind warning has left behind a trail of destruction and devastation for many. 

Currently, there are 715,000 homes, businesses, and farms in Ireland without any power, with Eir confirming that the most significant faults are in Mayo, Cork, Meath, Clare and Kildare.

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met this morning to assess the situation and coordinate the response, as Storm Éowyn continues to bring dangerous, damaging and destructive weather conditions across the country. 

Mayo is in a Status Orange wind warning until 5pm this evening, as strong winds will continue, and conditions are expected to remain very dangerous.

The NECG are urging people to continue staying home if they can, and to exercise caution if travelling or outdoors.

According to the Group, the period following a storm can often be the most dangerous and people should continue to be very careful particularly, with regard to the hazard of fallen power lines and the threat of fallen trees and debris blocking roads.

The NECG is working to coordinate and mobilise all available resources to support the efforts to restore power and services to homes, farms and businesses as soon as possible, prioritising vulnerable people.

READ MORE: UPDATE: Major damage reported in Mayo after Storm Éowyn

ESB Networks also continue to closely monitor the storm impact on power supplies and all available resources stand ready to mobilise once safe to do so. It is expected that power restoration will take a significant number of days.  

Keith Leonard, Chair of the NECG said, “Storm Éowyn has brought record-breaking winds and is causing widespread damage and disruption. Public safety remains our focus, and the public should continue to shelter in place where Red Level Wind Warnings remain valid,

“While public safety remains our number one priority, the NECG is also now pivoting to the recovery stage. We are liaising with agencies, local authorities and key stakeholders to assess the extent of the damage – which in some parts will be at unprecedented levels – and ensuring we get the right responses and resources into the right places to get the country back to normal as soon as possible.

The Group's Infrastructure Sub-Group plan to meet this afternoon, with a focus on coordinating the ongoing efforts to restore power and other services.

The full NECG will meet again tomorrow, and work will continue throughout the day to coordinate the response and recovery of this shocking storm. 

A very important public safety message from the NECG: If you come across fallen wires or a 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.  

For those in Mayo without power, you can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.