Hundreds without power in Laois as Storm Ashley wreaks havoc

Hundreds of homes and businesses across Laois are without power as high winds associated with Storm Ashley batter the country. 

Almost 400 homes and businesses are without power in Killenard, 273 customers are without power near Borris in Ossory and a further 12 customers in Mountmellick. In Portarlington 153 customers are without power with an estimated restore time of 2pm on Monday, October 21.

Faults were restored in Mountrath, Stradbally and Portarlington earlier today. 

Meanwhile TFI Local Link Laois Offaly has advised of disruptions to their 822 Mountrath to Carlow service due to fallen trees and will not be able to pick up in Ballinakill today until further notice. 

"Passengers please be aware that as Storm Ashley travels across Laois and Offaly today there may be some delays or disruptions to services. Please be patient as the drivers navigate these difficult driving conditions," they said. 

Across the country orange and yellow level winds associated with Storm Ashley have led to power outages impacting on 53,000 homes, farms and businesses this evening, predominantly in counties along the Western Seaboard.

The worst impacted areas include Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Clare and Kerry, as well as North Cork and North Dublin. ESB Networks crews and contractors are deployed and restoring power in impacted areas where safe to do so. Further outages in the coming hours can be expected as the storm tracks north, with Met Éireann wind warnings remaining in place until the early hours of tomorrow morning. 

"ESB Networks teams are closely monitoring storm impact on power supplies and all available resources remain on alert to respond to faults where safe to do so. While crews and contractors will work to restore supply to as many homes, farms and businesses as possible through this evening, significant numbers of customers in these counties are likely to be without supply overnight," said an ESB spokesperson. 

"It is important that any impacted customers who use electrically powered medical devices contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.

 "Given the extent of the storm, estimated restoration times will be updated through this evening and will be available on www.PowerCheck.ie and www.ESBNetworks.ie as restoration work progresses."