Power begins to return after major Cork city blackout

One tourist who was dining on Maylor Street said the lights suddenly went out in their restaurant. 

The lights have gone out in parts of Cork city this evening.

Latest: The ESB has said the number of customers affected by a major power outage in Cork city centre has reduced to just over 500 customers.

Some bars affected by the outage remained open during the blackout but were only accepting cash, with queues forming at nearby ATMs.