Thousands remain without power after overnight storm

Up to 35,000 homes across the country remain without power this afternoon.

Much of the disruption has been caused by falling trees and power lines in storm force winds overnight.

Network crews are working since daylight to make the network safe and restore supply. http://t.co/CtKSfVPjLt http://t.co/QGSqT0jC1b

— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) December 27, 2013

ESB Networks says many customers will be without supply until at least 6pm this evening, with those targets described as "tentative".

Power restored to over 500 customers in #Waterville #Sneem area. Also power has been restored to 500 customers #Castlemaine

— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) December 27, 2013

Bernardine Moloney of ESB Networks says Cork and Kerry have been the worst affected areas.

"The southwest has suffered the most damage to the electricity network," she said.

"There's considerable damage along the west coast, and in the Kerry area there are 5,000 customers without supply."

"In Cork, there are over 1,000 customers in the Drimoleague/Dunmanway area [affected] and in the west of the country, Abbeyfeale, Croom and Kilmallock have been the most affected.

"In Clare, there are about 3,500 customers without supply in Kilkee, Ennistymon and Cratloe."

ESB Networks has now restored supply to over 35k homes, however, there are still approximately 35k without supply. http://t.co/EWV6Y3YwKe

— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) December 27, 2013