No EU funds to cope with Ophelia aftermath; Thousands still without power

Tens of thousands of homes remain without electricity and power in the wake of Storm Ophelia as it emerged that Ireland will not qualify for any financial help from the EU to cope with the aftermath.

Local authorities began the task of a massive clean operation yesterday after the storm, which left three people dead, wreaked havoc across the country.

Over 130,000 homes were without electricity last night and while most will be reconnected in the next three to four days, ESB Networks has indicated that those living in isolated areas could be waiting up to a week.