SOME 32,000 homes, farms, schools, and businesses remain without power across the country as the Storm Eowyn clean-up continues.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group confirmed electricity has been restored to 736,000 customers so far.
Officials warned that customers who were reconnected may experience some short disruptions to power to allow neighbours to be safely reconnected.
At the peak, over 300 schools across the country were without power.
But the vast majority of schools now have power restored and can reopen as normal tomorrow.
Department officials have extended the CAO deadline until February 6 for those who have been impacted by Storm Eowyn.
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 ESB crews and partner contactors who have been bolstered by colleagues from the south and east of the country, as well as skilled retirees.
Several large-capacity generators are being provided by Poland and Denmark, following a request under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
The generators are being deployed to support ESB Networks, Uisce Éireann and telecommunications operators to bring power, water, phone and broadband services back to homes, schools and businesses.
A spokesperson for the ESB said: “ESB Networks reminds the public to Stay Safe, Stay Clear of fallen electricity wires.
“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.”
Some 400 premises remain without water today.
Uisce Eireann have now deployed and installed generators at “almost all of the plants, pumping stations and reservoirs” where it is feasible to do so.
They are continuing to work closely with the ESB to prioritise the restoration of electricity supply in the remaining locations.
In areas where water has not yet returned, Irish Water bosses said alternative water supplies are being provided for communities.
Uisce Eireann is tankering water to treated water reservoirs to resupply smaller schemes.
They will continue to liaise with Local Coordination Groups and Emergency Response Hubs in areas where these have been established.
Government officials said that “significant progress” has been made in restoring telecommunication services.
As of today, 0.83 per cent of fixed service users are without services and 2.76 per cent of mobile service users are experiencing some level of degradation of service.
The most impacted areas continue to be the north and west of the country.
Calls to emergency services utilise any available network, regardless of operator subscription.
And these are expected to continue to function as normal nationwide.
Emergency Response Hubs
- Cavan – 18 hubs
- Clare – 6 hubs
- Donegal – 50 hubs
- Galway City – 3 hubs
- Galway County – 52 hubs
- Kildare – 1 hub
- Leitrim – 31 hubs
- Limerick City and County – 1 hub
- Longford – 6 hubs
- Mayo – 35 hubs
- Meath – 10 hubs
- Monaghan – 23 hubs
- Offaly – 10 hubs
- Roscommon – 37 hubs
- Sligo – 21 hubs
- Westmeath – 20 hub
- Cork County – 2 hubs
Many network and infrastructure operators have already brought in overseas crews to assist the ongoing repair work.
ComReg is “closely monitoring” the situation and liaising with operators.
They said further updates will be provided “over the coming days”.
Local Coordination Groups are now in place in 16 local authority areas.
A number of organisations including Uisce Éireann, ESB Networks, An Post, An Garda Síochána, HSE and Local Link are checking in on people and any concerns will be raised through the Local Coordination Group for follow up.
Any member of the public who has any concerns about friends, family or neighbours can contact their local coordination group helpline who will follow up.
Helpline numbers are available at www.gov.ie/stormresponse.
There are 326 Emergency Response Hubs currently operational, down from a high of 380 hubs.
The Humanitarian Assistance emergency financial payment is available to homeowners in the immediate aftermath of a severe weather event.
It’s open to homeowners in affected areas who do not have any power or water supply and includes support to pay for alternative accommodation if necessary.
The NECG will meet again tomorrow as the relevant subgroups continue to progress work in their respective areas.
