Storm Betty has big electricity 'impact' in Portlaoise area reports ESB

ESB has reported that Portlaoise is one of the areas most impacted places in Ireland by Storm Betty.

While there is no fault or outage on the company's power check app by lunchtime Saturday, a statement issued in the wake of the Storm included Portlaoise.

The statement said Betty caused damage to the electricity network overnight affecting just over 70,000 homes, farms and businesses at the peak. It said that as of 11.30 am on Saturday, August 19, just under 50,000 electricity customers remain without power with the damage mainly attributable to lightning and fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds.

"Areas most impacted include counties in the South-East along with North Dublin, Dundalk, Portlaoise and Kilkenny," it said.

The company said that all available resources are being deployed to respond to all electricity outages where safe to do so.

"ESB Networks crews have been working since first light and will work through this afternoon into this evening to restore power to as many customers as possible. A significant number of impacted customers will have their power restored by this evening. However, due to the scale of the damage to the electricity network, some customers in localised areas may remain without supply overnight," it said.

People who use electrically powered medical devices are advised to contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary. 

"We apologise for the disruption to family and commercial life these interruptions in electricity supply have caused," said the ESB.

The company reiterated safety first.

"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. Customers should have their MPRN available to access recorded information specific to their location," it said.

Laois County Council activated its Crisis Management Teams and worked with other agencies in the Local Coordination Groups to respond to the impact of Storm Betty.

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Customers without power can check for real-time updates on when their fault is expected to be repaired at www.PowerCheck.ie

You can also check @ESBNetworks on Twitter for updates.