Storms leave more than 5,000 without electricity

THOUSANDS of homes were left without power until yesterday afternoon after storms lashed most parts of the country on Thursday night.

The ESB dispatched hundreds of workers from the early hours of yesterday to restore power, but homeowners and businesses in parts of Cavan, Monaghan and Dublin had to wait until after lunchtime before getting their electricity back.

Winds of up to 75 miles an hour led to dangerous driving conditions in some areas, with roads blocked by fallen trees, while many areas suffered heavy flooding.

At least 5,000 homes in counties Wexford, Limerick, Donegal, Dublin, Louth, Meath and Laois were believed to have been without electricity after the hurricane-strength winds.

“By and large the north east of the country bore the brunt of the winds; the Louth-Meath area and the Wexford were worst affected,” an ESB spokesman said.

Parts of Co Clare near Ennis were also left flooded, while council staff in many regions worked through Thursday night and yesterday morning to clear oads.

Many stands already in place for next week’s National and World Ploughing Championships at Tullow, Co Carlow were blown away in the heavy winds.

Gardaí and AA Roadwatch urged drivers to take extra care due to blocked roads although conditions eased considerably yesterday.

Met Éireann forecasts moderate to fresh southeasterly breezes today but heavy showers are likely to be widespread, with occasional bright or sunny intervals.