Double outages in Laois town force schools and businesses to close
Planned power outage and possible water outage in and near Mountmellick
Laois schools, homes and businesses in and near Mountmellick will be without either water or electricity, or both this Friday, September 11, forcing some closures.
In what is described as a “coincidence” by ESB Networks spokesperson, they say that both themselves and Uisce Éireann are scheduling outages on the same day. However UE say they have no planned water outages, but supply may be affected by the lack electricity.
In Mountmellick town, the planned outage has forced multiple schools to announce to parents that they will have to close. The Sonas community creche is also closed.
A Laois gastropub is also forced to close for the duration.
“Due to a power outage locally, we are closed for lunch service and reopen for dinner at 6pm. See you all then,” the Old Canal says.
Uisce Éireann / Irish Water said that their possible water outage ahead, is due to the electricity outage.
“There is a planned interruption to the power supply tomorrow (Friday) in the Rock area of Mountmellick which may impact electricity and water supply locally between 9am and 4pm. Customers registered with Uisce Éireann for the free text alert service would have received a direct notification about this planned interruption.
“The information is also available on the service and supply section of our website www.water.ie We regret the inconvenience this planned power disruption may cause to the water supply for our customers in the Rock area of Mountmellick and will endeavour to ensure supply is restored as soon as the power to the area is returned.
Their notice gives advice to customers.
“A power outage may cause supply disruptions to Mountmellick and surrounding areas in Co. Laois. Works are scheduled to take place from 9am until 4pm on 11 September. We recommend that you allow 3-4 hours after the estimated restoration time for your supply to fully return.”
ESB Networks is planning a power outage in The Rock, 2km outside Mountmellick. This has also caused the closure of The Rock National School on Friday.
“ESB Networks can confirm that there will be a planned outage in The Rock area of Co Laois tomorrow, Friday 11 September, to facilitate refurbishment works on a Medium Voltage (MV) overhead line.
“Approximately 52 customers will be affected by the outage, which is due to last from 9.30am until 4pm.
“We endeavour to send a notification card to all customers at least two days in advance if we must interrupt electricity supply. These notifications were issued to affected customers last week.
“ESB Networks acknowledges the disruption this may cause to family and commercial life and sincerely thank all those affected for their patience and understanding,” a spokesperson said.