Defence Forces deploy helicopters over Limerick to help ESB restore electricity

DEFENCE Forces helicopters have been spotted hoovering across Limerick skies, as they have been assisting the ESB in restoring thousands of people’s electricity.

Due to the recent adverse weather conditions, Defence Forces have also deployed personnel in response to a request from Limerick City and County Council and other local authorities. 

The Air Corps has deployed two helicopters to aid the ESB inline inspection and repairs, which is due to continue this Tuesday.

Thousands of homes, farms and businesses remain without power locally, the worst affected being those in county Limerick.

Additionally, there have been multiple requests for assistance in the transportation of essential healthcare workers and patients. 

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One Southern Brigade (1 Bde) is the lead formation and has assisted with these requests throughout the day, in Limerick and Kanturk, Kilkenny, Carlow and Killorglin. 

A total of 29 personnel and 18 vehicles have been deployed. 

The extent of the Defence Forces response will be based on continued requests, they have said.

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Civil Defence teams and volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the past 48 hours responding to severe weather across the country.  

“This essential ongoing work has included assisting HSE staff in transporting palliative care and dialysis patients; helping gardaí with vehicles stranded on roads; assistance to homes with no power or water; the transport of healthcare staff, and the provision of fuel for generators for vulnerable home care patients.

“We are fortunate to have the services of such professional, experienced and willing personnel at such a demanding time for so many, especially the most vulnerable people in our communities.”