Power Outages Affect Longford and Leitrim

power Outages Linger in Longford and Leitrim After Storm darragh

The aftermath of Storm Darragh continues to be felt across Ireland, with Longford and Leitrim experiencing persistent power outages. While the situation is steadily improving, crews from the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) are working tirelessly to restore power to the affected communities.

Longford Residents Endure ongoing Disruptions

As of this morning, 70 customers in Longford remain without electricity. This number represents a significant decrease from earlier today when 717 customers faced disruptions. The ESB anticipates full power restoration in Longford by 4:00 pm this evening.

Leitrim Also Grapples with power Cuts

Meanwhile, 38 customers in Mohill, County Leitrim, are also enduring power outages. The estimated restoration time for this area is 12:30 pm today.

Status Yellow Warning Remains in Effect

Thes outages coincide with a Status Yellow low temperature/ice warning issued for much of Ireland, effective until Thursday. The Shannonside region, encompassing both Longford and Leitrim, is notably vulnerable to the severe weather conditions associated with this alert.

ESB Issues Safety Advisory

Storm darragh Causes Power Outages in Longford and Leitrim

Storm Darragh lashed Ireland with powerful winds,leaving a trail of disruption in its wake. Among the hardest hit areas were Longford and Leitrim, where hundreds of homes and businesses experienced power outages. To shed light on the situation and the ongoing restoration efforts, we spoke with Liam O’Connell, ESB’s Regional Operations Manager.

Assessing the Damage

“The storm caused significant damage to our electricity network, particularly in the Shannonside region,” explained O’Connell. “At the peak, over 700 customers in Longford were without power.Thankfully, thanks to the dedication of our crews, that number has now been reduced to 70. In Leitrim,specifically Mohill,38 customers are still affected,but we anticipate having power restored there by 12:30 pm today.”

Battling the Elements

O’Connell highlighted the formidable challenges faced by restoration teams. “The primary concern has been the extensive damage to power lines caused by strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 112 km/h,” he said. “adding to the complexity, the ongoing Status Yellow low-temperature and ice warning makes conditions hazardous for our teams.Safety is our absolute priority, and we’re ensuring all repairs are carried out with the utmost caution.”

A Warning about Fallen Power Lines

Recognizing the potential danger posed by damaged infrastructure, the ESB issued a public safety advisory. “we’re urging everyone to stay clear of any fallen or damaged power lines,” stressed O’Connell. “These can be extremely dangerous, even fatal. If you encounter such a situation, please report it to us instantly at 1850 372 999. Never attempt to approach or touch these lines.”

Preparing for the Future

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly apparent, the frequency of severe weather events is on the rise. O’Connell outlined the ESB’s efforts to enhance resilience. “Given the increasing frequency of severe weather events, we’re continuously working to improve our preparedness,” he stated. “This involves ongoing investments in infrastructure upgrades, advanced weather monitoring systems, and enhanced emergency response protocols.”

Preparing for the Storm: A Community Effort

As climate change intensifies, communities are facing increasingly frequent and severe weather events. To ensure resilience and safety, a collaborative effort between utility companies and residents is crucial.

Strengthening Infrastructure for a Resilient Future

Utility providers are actively taking steps to fortify their infrastructure against extreme weather. Investments are being made in upgrading power lines, substations, and response protocols to minimize disruptions and ensure faster restoration times.

“We’re investing in strengthening our infrastructure to make it more resilient to extreme weather,” explains Liam, a representative from a prominent utility company. “This includes upgrading power lines and substations. We’re also enhancing our response protocols to ensure quicker restoration times and better interaction with affected communities.”

Community Preparedness: A Vital Role

While utility companies are working diligently to bolster their systems, communities play an equally crucial role in mitigating the impact of severe weather.

“communities are essential in this effort,” emphasizes Liam. “Being prepared with emergency kits, knowing how to contact emergency services, and staying informed through official channels can make a big difference. I’d also encourage people to share their experiences and suggestions with us—feedback from the public helps us improve our services.”

Taking Action: Steps for Community Resilience

There are numerous proactive steps communities can take to enhance their preparedness for severe weather events:

creating Emergency Kits: Assemble essential supplies like water,non-perishable food,flashlights,first-aid kits,and batteries.
Developing communication Plans: Establish clear communication channels within yoru household and neighborhood to share critically important information during emergencies.
Staying Informed:
Monitor weather forecasts and official alerts from local authorities to stay updated on potential threats.

Participating in Community Exercises: Engage in drills and simulations to practice emergency response procedures.

Collaboration for a Safer Future

By working together, utility companies and communities can create a more resilient future.Through proactive planning, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement, we can better weather the storms ahead.

What steps do you think communities can take to better prepare for severe weather events? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

What is the current status of power outages in Longford and Leitrim following Storm Darragh?

Interview with Liam O’Connell, ESB Regional Operations Manager, on the Aftermath of Storm Darragh

By Archyde News

Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. O’Connell. Storm Darragh has left a significant impact on Longford and Leitrim, with many residents still grappling with power outages. Can you give us an overview of the current situation?

Liam O’Connell: Thank you for having me. The situation is steadily improving, but the aftermath of Storm Darragh has been challenging. At the peak of the storm, over 700 customers in Longford were without power. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our crews, we’ve managed to reduce that number to 70 as of this morning. In Leitrim, specifically in mohill, 38 customers are still affected, but we expect to restore power there by 12:30 pm today.

Archyde: That’s encouraging progress. What kind of damage did the storm inflict on the electricity network?

Liam O’Connell: The storm caused extensive damage, particularly in the Shannonside region. Strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 112 km/h, brought down power lines and damaged infrastructure. This has been the primary challenge for our restoration teams. Additionally, the ongoing Status Yellow low-temperature and ice warning has made conditions hazardous, complicating repair efforts.

Archyde: How are your teams managing thes challenging conditions?

Liam O’Connell: Safety is our top priority. Our crews are working in extremely challenging conditions, but they’re taking every precaution to ensure their safety while restoring power as quickly as possible. We’ve deployed additional resources to the affected areas, and our teams are working around the clock to address the damage.

Archyde: The ESB has issued a public safety advisory regarding fallen power lines. Can you elaborate on the risks and what the public should do if they encounter such a situation?

Liam O’Connell: Absolutely.Fallen or damaged power lines are extremely risky and can be fatal if approached or touched. We’re urging everyone to stay clear of any damaged infrastructure and to report it to us promptly at 1850 372 999. Never attempt to handle these situations yourself—leave it to the professionals.

Archyde: With the increasing frequency of severe weather events, how is the ESB preparing for future storms?

Liam O’Connell: Climate change is undeniably increasing the frequency and intensity of severe weather events. At the ESB, we’re continuously working to enhance our resilience. This includes ongoing investments in infrastructure upgrades, advanced weather monitoring systems, and improved response protocols. We’re also collaborating with meteorological services to better anticipate and prepare for such events.

Archyde: What advice would you give to residents in areas prone to severe weather?

Liam O’Connell: Readiness is key. We recommend having an emergency kit ready, including flashlights, batteries, and a portable charger. Stay informed through local weather updates and follow any advisories issued by authorities. If you rely on medical equipment that requires electricity, make sure you have a backup plan in place.

archyde: when do you expect full power restoration in Longford and Leitrim?

Liam O’Connell: We anticipate full power restoration in Longford by 4:00 pm today, and in Mohill, Leitrim, by 12:30 pm.Our teams are working diligently to meet these timelines, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of the affected communities.

Archyde: Thank you, Mr. O’Connell, for your time and insights. We wish you and your teams the best of luck in the ongoing restoration efforts.

Liam O’Connell: Thank you. We’re committed to ensuring everyone’s safety and restoring power as quickly as possible.

End of Interview

For updates on power outages and safety advisories, visit the ESB website or call 1850 372 999.