More than 59,000 homes, farms and businesses are without power as a result of Storm Barra.
Cork and Kerry are bearing the brunt of the gale force winds which could reach up to 130 kilometres per hour. A red wind alert will come into effect in Clare from 4pm, while orange warnings are in place in 11 other coastal counties.
The ESB confirmed that more than 59,000 electricity customers remain without power across the country as of 9.45am.
The damage is mainly due to fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds, it said.
“All internal resources are on alert and will be deployed to respond to all electricity outages once it is safe to do so. With a red weather warning in the southwest in effect until tonight, this may mean our crews may not be mobilised on the ground until the worst of the severe weather passes,” an ESB statement said.
Live wires
In the event of a power cut, the public is urged to turn off electric cookers, ovens and irons, and to leave a light switched on so they know when power is restored.
With the storm still crossing the country, the ESB said more damage and interruption to supply is expected. It reminded the public that if they come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, to never touch or approach them as they are live and extremely dangerous.
People can report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999. Customers without power can check for updates on when their fault is expected to be repaired at www.powercheck.ie.
Meanwhile, Gas Networks Ireland has said it does not anticipate any disruption to gas supplies during Storm Barra.
The operator of Ireland’s gas network said its 706,000 customers are unlikely to be affected as the network’s pipelines are underground. Its emergency services continue to operate normally and if customers smell gas at home or on the street, they are asked to call 1800 20 50 50 immediately.
Coasts
Separately, Gerard Flynn of the Irish Coast Guard urged the public not to go for walks or attempt activities such as sea swimming during Storm Barra.
Such recreational activities should be avoided, he said, as if people got into trouble and rescue services were called it could prevent them from attending a medical emergency.
"I would appeal to people to exercise common sense. This is not a day to be out," he told RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland. "I would appeal to people to stay in."
A person out in Galway this morning told Newstalk: "We dip every morning, so we went down for our usual swim this morning but saw it was probably a bit too dangerous, and we said 'best to leave it this morning'."
A walker said: "My husband is working from home and the kids are there, so it's not so bad, I'm braving the elements, I'm a regular walker."
Meanwhile, Keith Leonard of the National Emergency Coordination Group said that the Defence Forces and Civil Defence are on stand-by to assist local authorities and emergency services today in response during the storm.
