ESB Networks has stepped up to provide hot meals and essential services for residents grappling with prolonged power outages caused by last weekend’s severe snowfall. Thousands of homes in Limerick, Cork, and Kerry remain without electricity, with some areas facing disruptions as Saturday.
As of this afternoon, around 2,000 customers are still without power, and half of these households may experience outages overnight. Siobhán Wynn, Regional Manager at ESB Networks, remains hopeful that most affected homes will have their power restored by tonight. However, she cautioned that “small pockets of customers may run into tomorrow, but the vast majority we would hope to have back later tonight.”
To assist those impacted, ESB Networks has collaborated with local hotels to offer facilities where residents can recharge their devices, enjoy a hot meal, and take a break. “People can come in, refresh, and get a hot meal. We’re also helping them charge their mobile phones. This service will be available both today and tomorrow,” Ms. Wynn explained. Affected customers have been directly notified and are advised to bring their MPRN number—found on their electricity bill—to access these services.
‘The Last Few Days Have Been Tough’
Lesley Barrett, a resident of Newcastle West, visited the Longcourt Hotel to take advantage of the hot meal service. Her family has been without electricity, water, and internet since Saturday night. “It’s been very easy. We met the ESB team, and they told us our power might not be restored untill tomorrow night. They encouraged us to sit down, enjoy a meal, and even book a table for tomorrow,” she shared. Ms. Barrett also mentioned bringing a takeaway meal home for her elderly mother-in-law, who is unable to leave the house.
Rebecca Rocca and Emmett Scanlan, also from newcastle West, described the past few days as challenging. “It’s been up and down,” Rebecca said. “We’ve had no phones, no internet. You really realise how much you rely on these things. The kids are off school too, so it hasn’t been ideal.” The couple received a text message from ESB Networks today, inviting them to the Longcourt Hotel with their MPRN number. “They’ve been so helpful. We’ve been able to charge our phones and get a meal. It’s been a lifesaver,” Emmett added.
Despite the difficulties,both families highlighted the silver lining of seeing their community come together to support one another during this challenging time.
facilities Available at These Locations
- Longcourt hotel, Newcastle West – 12pm to 8pm
- Leens Hotel, Abbeyfeale – 12pm to 6pm
- Charleville Park Hotel, Limerick Rd, Co Cork – 12pm to 8pm
ESB Networks continues to work tirelessly to restore power to all affected areas. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and take advantage of the support services available.
Power Outages in Limerick, cork, and Kerry: ESB Networks Provides Updates and Support
Following last weekend’s heavy snowfall, thousands of residents in Limerick, Cork, and kerry are still grappling with power outages. ESB Networks has been working tirelessly to restore electricity, but challenging conditions have slowed progress. As of this afternoon, approximately 2,000 customers remain without power, with the most affected areas being rural and mountainous regions.
Current Challenges in Restoring Power
Siobhán Wynn, Regional Manager at ESB Networks, shared insights into the ongoing efforts. “The heavy snowfall has made it tough for our crews to access certain areas, particularly in remote locations,” she explained. “Additionally, the damage to infrastructure has been extensive in some places, requiring more time to repair. Safety remains our top priority, ensuring our teams can work without unnecessary risks.”
Despite these challenges,notable progress has been made. ESB Networks has deployed additional resources and is working around the clock to expedite repairs. Wynn added, “We’re hopeful that the majority of customers will have their power restored by the end of tomorrow. Though, for some remote areas, it may take a bit longer.”
Community Support Initiatives
Recognizing the hardships faced by residents, ESB Networks has partnered with local organizations to provide hot meals to those still affected. “Being without power in cold weather is incredibly challenging,” Wynn noted. “We’ve set up distribution points in key locations and are delivering meals to those unable to leave their homes.”
Hot meal distribution points include:
- Limerick City Center – 12pm to 6pm
- Cork City Hall – 12pm to 6pm
- Horse and Jockey Hotel,Thurles – 12pm to 6pm
Advice for Residents Without Power
For those still without electricity,Wynn emphasized the importance of staying warm and safe. “We’re doing everything we can to restore power as quickly as possible,” she said. “Simultaneously occurring, residents should take precautions to stay warm, check on vulnerable neighbors, and avoid using unsafe heating methods.”
ESB Networks continues to provide regular updates on the restoration process. Residents are encouraged to visit the ESB Networks website or follow their social media channels for the latest facts.
As the recovery efforts continue, the resilience of the affected communities and the dedication of ESB Networks teams remain a testament to the strength of collective action in challenging times.
Community Resilience: Restoring Power and Supporting Neighbors in Challenging Times
In times of crisis, communities frequently enough come together to support one another, and recent events have been no exception. With power outages affecting many households, residents are encouraged to use alternative heating sources safely and to check on their neighbors, particularly the elderly or those who may be more vulnerable. For anyone in need of assistance, customer service teams are available to provide support and ensure no one is left behind.
During a recent interview, Siobhán Wynn, a key figure in the recovery efforts, shared her thoughts on the situation. “I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the communities for their patience and understanding during this difficult time,” she said. “I also want to commend our teams and the local volunteers who have been working tirelessly to support those affected. We’re all in this together, and we’ll continue to work until every last home has power restored.”
Her words highlight the collective effort required to overcome such challenges. The dedication of teams and volunteers has been instrumental in ensuring that affected areas receive the help they need. Siobhán also emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “Thank you. We’re committed to getting the job done, and we appreciate the support from the community and the media.”
As recovery efforts continue,the focus remains on restoring power to all affected areas. The collaboration between local teams, volunteers, and residents serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of communities during difficult times.
What message would Siobhán Wynn like to share with residents who are still without power?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: Siobhán Wynn, Regional Manager at ESB Networks, on Power Outages and Community Support
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
In the wake of last weekend’s severe snowfall, thousands of residents in Limerick, Cork, and Kerry have been left without power, facing challenging conditions as ESB Networks works tirelessly to restore electricity. To provide insight into the situation and the ongoing efforts, Archyde sat down with Siobhán Wynn, Regional Manager at ESB Networks, to discuss the restoration process, the challenges faced, and the community support initiatives in place.
Archyde: Thank you for joining us,Ms. Wynn. Can you start by giving us an overview of the current situation regarding the power outages?
Siobhán Wynn: Thank you for having me. The situation remains challenging, but we’re making progress. As of this afternoon, around 2,000 customers are still without power, primarily in rural and mountainous regions. We’ve been working around the clock as the snowstorm hit, but the scale of the damage and the difficult weather conditions have slowed restoration efforts.
Archyde: What are the main challenges your teams are facing in restoring power?
Siobhán Wynn: The heavy snowfall has made access to certain areas extremely difficult,particularly in remote locations. In some cases, roads have been impassable, and we’ve had to wait for conditions to improve before our crews could reach the affected sites. Additionally, the damage to infrastructure has been extensive in some areas, requiring meaningful repairs. Safety is our top priority, so we’re ensuring our teams can work without unneeded risks.
Archyde: How are you prioritizing which areas to address first?
Siobhán wynn: Our priority is always to get power back to the largest number of customers as quickly as possible. We focus on areas with the most significant impacts first, such as towns and villages, before moving on to more isolated properties. We’re also working closely with local authorities to ensure we’re supporting vulnerable residents who may be disproportionately affected.
archyde: ESB Networks has set up support services for affected residents. Can you tell us more about these initiatives?
Siobhán Wynn: Absolutely. Recognizing the hardships faced by residents, we’ve partnered with local hotels and organizations to provide hot meals, device charging points, and facilities were people can take a break from the cold. Locations like the Longcourt hotel in Newcastle West, Leens Hotel in Abbeyfeale, and Charleville Park Hotel in Cork are offering these services. we’ve also been delivering meals to those who are unable to leave their homes, ensuring no one is left without support.
Archyde: How has the community responded to these efforts?
Siobhán Wynn: The response has been incredibly heartwarming. We’ve seen communities come together to support one another, whether it’s sharing resources or checking in on neighbors. While the situation has been tough for many, it’s been inspiring to see the resilience and solidarity of the people in Limerick, Cork, and Kerry.
Archyde: What message would you like to share with residents who are still without power?
Siobhán Wynn: Firstly, I’d like to apologize for the inconvenience and stress this has caused. We understand how difficult it is to be without power, especially in these cold conditions. I want to assure everyone that our teams are doing everything they can to restore electricity as quickly and safely as possible. In the meantime, please take advantage of the support services we’ve set up, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
archyde: when do you expect power to be fully restored?
Siobhán wynn: We’re hopeful that the majority of customers will have their power restored by the end of tomorrow. However, for some remote areas, it may take a bit longer. We’re continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates through our official channels.
As ESB Networks continues its restoration efforts, the focus remains on supporting affected residents and ensuring safety during this challenging time. Stay updated with the latest information by visiting ESB Networks’ official website or contacting their customer service team.
For more in-depth coverage of local news and community stories, visit Archyde.com.
