ESB battles to restore power to 20,000

An estimated 20,000 people are beginning the week without power as ESB crews continue their battle to repair the damage caused by the worst storm in two decades.

Almost all of the remaining faults are across the southern half of the country, despite the efforts of up to 3,000 workers tasked by the ESB with restoring the network.

Approximately 1,500 crews worked throughout much of yesterday, with a full complement of crews due to resume work today.