Storm Éowyn leaves thousands of Laois homes and businesses without power as ESB site crashes

The ESB Networks powercheck website has crashed due to the volume of people logging on. 

A spokesperson for the ESB Networks said “we are aware of the issue. It seems to be down to the volume of traffic we are getting.” The www.PowerCheck.ie. was inaccessible earlier this morning. 

 “Due to unprecedented traffic, ESB websites are currently experiencing technical difficulties. Teams are actively deployed and working on a solution. We appreciate the patience of website users as they seek information on our response to Storm Éowyn and hope to restore services as soon as possible,” he said. 

Meanwhile, around 15,000 homes and business in Laois are without power, according to the ESB. 

They say the reported outages are widespread throughout the county. The largest outages are in the wider Portlaoise area where around 3,200 customers are without power. In Mountemellick there are 3,100 customers impacted and in Abbeyleix there are 2,000. 

ESB in Portlaoise also serves the wider Athy are where 6,500 customers are without power.

Laois County Council has reporting widespread power outages, downed trees and blocked roads as Storm Éowyn passes through the county. 

The N80 outside Mountmellick, the R428 at Castlemitchell and the R422 at Killeen are all impassable due to storm damage. 

The Council is urging people to remain indoors during the Status Red Wind Warning which is in place until 11am 

The council’s Severe Weather Hotline is open. The Hotline Number is 1800 832010. Emergency calls should be directed to 999 or 112, in the normal way.

The public are being advised to continue to shelter in place and not travel unless it’s absolutely necessary, even when the red warning expires.

Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. 

Meanwhile, ESB Networks say 715,000 people are without power as a result of the storm. 

Stay Safe during #StormÉowyn.
Always assume the electricity network is live, #StaySafe and #StayClear of all electricity wires. If you see a fallen wire or a low hanging wire, do not approach it, report it on 1800 372 999.

For #StormÉowyn updates visit https://t.co/57xk3Op7su pic.twitter.com/usNCC7IkUc

— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) January 23, 2025

Extreme, damaging and destructive winds associated with Storm Éowyn have continued to cause widespread and extensive damage to the electricity network across the country with over 715,000 homes, farms and businesses (as at 8 a.m.) without power.