Storm Éowyn: EU sending 17 generators to Ireland as 168,000 still without power

A team of 10 skilled personnel from Austria at Dublin Port, who will be deployed to the worst-hit areas of the Midlands to assist the ESB post-Storm Éowyn. Picture: Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography 2025

The European Union is sending 17 generators to Ireland to help deal with the fallout from Storm Éowyn.

It comes as the ESB said 168,000 are still without power, with some likely to be without power into next week. This marks a significant reduction from the initial 768,000 people who were affected by power outages on Friday when the storm first hit.

In a statement, the European Commission said following Ireland's request for assistance relating to power outages caused by the storm, "the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated".

Some 13 power generators are being sent from the commission's strategic reserve in Poland. Four power generators offered by Denmark via the mechanism will also soon reach Ireland and help provide electricity on the ground.

The EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre said it would continue to closely monitor the situation, remaining in “constant contact” with the national authorities, to ensure additional help can be brought in if needed.

Meanwhile, about 2,000 ESB Networks skilled personnel and 1,000 contractors supplemented by crews from Britain, Austria, Finland, France and the Netherlands are expected to arrive in Ireland on Wednesday.

ESB crews from the south and east of the country have been redeployed to the worst impacted areas once work in their locality has been completed.

ESB crews from the south and east of the country have been redeployed to the worst impacted areas once work in their locality has been completed. Skilled retirees from ESB networks have also been roped in to assist with power outages.

It is estimated the majority of those impacted by Storm Éowyn will have their supply restored by this Friday. The remaining customers can expect their power to be restored over the course of next week.

The supplier has appealed to the public to exercise caution when in public, and maintain vigilance around hidden risks such as entangled wires and fallen debris.

“If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are live and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999,” the statement read.

Elsewhere, about 11,500 premises remain without water. This follows news that Uisce Éireann has deployed and installed generators at almost all of the company's plants, where it is safe to do so.

Some additional generators have been installed on Tuesday to further reduce the number of customers without water.

Uisce Éireann said it would continue to work closely with the ESB to prioritise the restoration of electricity supply in the remaining locations.

Alternative water supplies are being provided to support local communities where water has not yet been restored. The company will also work to tanker water directly to the reservoir or into the network to return to supply to customers.

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