ESB Networks has again reiterated a safety warning around downed power lines after being made aware of several incidents in which members of the public unknowingly approached fallen electricity infrastructure.
The ESB said this is a “vital” warning as Storm Éowyn caused unprecedented damage to electricity infrastructure nationwide.
“We wish to strongly reiterate our safety request to the general public to focus people’s attention on electrical safety while outdoors,” ESB Networks said in a statement.
“We still have many faults on the electricity network and have been made aware of several instances of potentially very dangerous incidents where members of the public have unknowingly approached fallen electricity infrastructure, particularly in the worst impacted areas of the country,” the statement said.
The ESB stressed that, following a significant weather event like Storm Éowyn, fallen debris can prevent people from seeing hidden risks such as wires entangled into trees and branches.
Anyone who comes across fallen wires or damaged electricity network should never, ever touch or approach these as they are live and extremely dangerous.
Any damage to electricity infrastructure should be reported by calling 1800 372 999.
Storm Éowyn resulted in 768,000 homes farms and businesses being left without electricity supply.
Of these, some 626,000 have had power restored, with around 142,000 customers currently without power.
Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann said that, as of yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, January 28), that 31,000 people across 11,500 premises were without water, compared to 84,000 people at a similar time on Monday (January 27).
Uisce Éireann has said that, after “huge efforts” , it has deployed and installed generators at almost all of the plants, pumping stations and reservoirs where it is feasible to do so.
ESB scam texts
It is understood that scam text messages purporting to come from ESB Networks are currently circulating.
Anyone who received such a text message should not engage directly; should not share any personal information if asked; and should block and report the suspicious number if necessary.