Emergency crews in Laois clear fallen trees and power lines

EMERGENCY crews in Laois are busy clearing fallen trees and power lines, as Storm Bram rages across the county.

Firefighters and county council outdoor teams are still tackling toppled trees that have blocked roads and brought down electricity cables.

Posting photos this afternoon, including the above, the local authority said: 'Laois County Council and Laois County Fire and Rescue Service have been attending to and clearing fallen trees throughout the day, as they come to our attention.

‘Please exercise caution on the road network today as Storm Bram weather warnings are in place until 7pm.’ 

A number of areas across the county have suffered power outages and blocked roads, including Abbeyleix, Ballacolla, Mountmellick and Portarlington.

In an update at 4pm, ESB Networks listed the number of properties without power and expected restoration times in the following Laois areas:

Portlaoise -11- Expected return time: 10pm 

Abbeyleix-91- Expected return time: 10pm 

Portarlington- 30- Expected return time: 10pm 

Mountmellick -58- Expected return time: 10pm 

Graguecullen -108- Expected return time: 10pm 

A Laois Co Council Severe Weather checklist with key information and advice is available on laois.ie.