LIVE: Areas worst affected by power outages in Limerick revealed as Storm Éowyn clean-up continues

RATHKEALE has been worst-hit by power outages in the county this Friday afternoon following Storm Éowyn.

There are a total of 22,625 homes, businesses and farms in Limerick city and county without electricity as of 2.30pm.

There are 26 separate outages in the Rathkeale area with 4,793 customers having no power. Second is Patrickswell with 3,599 property owners soon to be in the dark and those on the Limerick side of Charleville in third (2,478). Foynes and Abbeyfeale are next with 2,251 and 1,510 customers respectively.

The estimated restore time is currently unknown.

An ESB spokesperson said: "From our experience of previous significant weather events and due to the severity of Storm Éowyn, we expect that power restoration will take a significant number of days and will take more than a week in the worst impacted areas.  

"ESB Networks continue to closely monitor the storm impact on power supplies and all available resources including crews and partner contractors are now deployed where safe to do so, to assess the network and work to safely restore power as quickly as possible in challenging conditions."

READ MORE: PICTURES: Scenes of destruction across Limerick city and county after Storm Éowyn

Council staff, including firefighters, have also been very busy responding to a myriad of incidents since the Status Red warning has passed.

Numerous trees have already been cleared from roads and footpaths. A number of residents are reporting structural damage to their homes.

A council spokesperson said: "Fallen trees and debris on roads are creating dangerous driving conditions. Motorists are advised to slow down and be ready to react to the unexpected."

They said the tree clearing operations will cease this evening at sundown.

"While the weather warnings have reduced in severity there is still a live risk as a result of trees and branches having become dislodged in the storm event falling.

"Based on the current forecast, there are low temperatures expected in some areas tonight. Limerick City and County Council are planning to carryout gritting of roads.

"Please note however that the normal extent of roads to be gritted will likely be reduced as a result of the impacts of Storm Éowyn. Caution is advised when driving in these conditions.

"Limerick City and County Council will continue to take emergency calls on 061 556000 or by email on customerservices@limerick.ie"

A Status Yellow wind warning for Limerick is due to conclude at 4pm.