Hundreds of Laois homes suffer power cuts

UP TO 600 homes and businesses in Laois have suffered power cuts as heavy snowfall causes havoc across the county.

According to ESB Networks, almost 200 customers in the Stradbally area were left without electricity today, while other affected areas include Borris-in-Ossory, Ballinakill and Raheen near Abbeyleix.

The ESB said that crews are working to restore supply but it is likely that most will not have their power restored tonight, due to extremely difficult conditions.

In an update at 5.15pm on Sunday, ESB Networks said that 59,000 homes, farms and businesses were without power nationwide, mainly in counties Laois, Kilkenny, Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Wicklow.

The utility said in a statement: ‘From our experience of previous significant weather events, we expect that power restoration in the worst affected areas will take multiple days. The freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions are slowing restoration efforts.

‘Our crews will continue the restoration for as long as possible this evening but, with the difficult conditions, it is likely that the majority of customers will not have their power restored tonight.’ 

Customers can check likely restoration times for their particular areas on www.PowerCheck.ie, where there will be regular updates.

While Laois remains under a Status Orange warning for snow/ice until 10pm tonight, Met Éireann has also issued a Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning for Laois that will remain in effect until noon on Thursday, 9 January.

This will lead to very cold nights with widespread frost and ice, with temperatures struggling to get above freezing during the day.