Hundreds hit by phones blackout in Cork

Hundreds of homes and businesses have been hit by a telecommunications blackout in the 021 area of Cork city and county.

The blackout, which began at around 12pm, is affecting telephones, fax machines, the Internet, ATMs and electronic banking services.

Eircom said that damage to a fibre-optic trunk caused the problem and added that it hopes to have full service restored by 4pm.