Clean-up operations are under way as around 16,000 homes and businesses were without power after Storm Ashley hit the country yesterday.
The primary areas affected by the power outages are in Galway, Mayo and Kerry. There are some other pockets around the country and ESB crews are mobilising in impacted areas to recommence work to restore power.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, ESB Networks manager Brian Tapley said that at the height of the storm, 53,000 customers were without power, but crews managed to restore power to around 37,000 homes and businesses last night.
He said crews were assessing damage this morning, but it was too early to say when power would be fully restored.
Mr Tapley said conditions were still hazardous in some areas, with a lot of debris still lying around.
Meanwhile, Dublin Airport was affected by delays early today as a result of yesterday’s disruption to flights.
Media Relations Manager at daa, Graeme McQueen, said yesterday was a “challenging day at Dublin Airport as winds associated with Storm Ashley made it difficult for some aircraft to land”.
In total, 81 flights were cancelled yesterday while there was “39 go-arounds and 34 aircraft opted to divert to other airports”.
“Winds have eased considerably this morning and our first wave of flights is moving very well,” said Mr McQueen.
“However, as a result of Sunday’s disruption at airports across Ireland, the UK and Europe, some knock-on delays today are inevitable as several airlines have aircraft out of position. A small number of flights have already been cancelled by airlines.
“Passengers due to fly today are advised to check with their airline for latest updates regarding their flight,” added Mr McQueen.
Flights into and out of Shannon Airport were operating to schedule this morning.
A total of 13 flights were diverted there from other airports, over the course of yesterday. Seven of these were due to land in Cork, with the remaining six re-routed from Dublin.
Ireland West Airport is also operating as normal.
A number of planes had to divert or return to their point of departure yesterday, as a result of high winds around the airport in Co Mayo. Services from London and Manchester were impacted, causing a knock on effect on outbound flights from Knock. Around 1,000 passengers have been re-booked on to the next available flights into or out of the airport as a result.
Clean-up operations are continuing as the country assesses the damage caused by the storm.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) has been liaising with local authority teams and Government Departments throughout the weekend.
The NDFEM said local authority crews are clearing fallen trees, working with ESB in restoring power and removing debris from roads, walkways and other areas today.
A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said trees fell in a number of locations such as Ardara, Crolly, Gaoth Dobhair, Fánaid, Kilmacrennan, Milford, Rathmullan, Castlefinn, Raphoe, Lifford, Malin Head and Greencastle.
Council crews dealt with fallen trees where they were able to do so. Some of the trees were caught in utility lines, which the council said will be dealt with. Some spot flooding was reported, however none of it was severe.
Galway County Council said the main impact was fallen trees, with some snagged in power lines. Some waves overtopping roads resulted in seaweed washing onto coastal roads.
Road crews were out yesterday afternoon and evening when it became safe to do so.
A spokesperson added that a lot of clearance work will be taking place today and “probably further into the week”, although the impacts on coastal areas were not as significant as expected, given the supermoon spring tides coinciding with the storm.
The high tide at Galway City last night resulted in some coastal flooding in Salthill. Galway City Council crews undertook clean-ups yesterday evening and this work will continue this morning.
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The scheme provides income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from severe weather events and who are unable to meet costs for essential needs, household items and structural repairs.
Levels of payment under the scheme depend on the relative severity of damage experienced and the household’s ability to meet the costs.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said arrangements has been made to temporarily move residents from two International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres providing tented accommodation to an indoor location.
The IPAS accommodation centres at Crooksling, Co Dublin, and at River Lodge in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, were affected.
At Crooksling, one tent was damaged by wind yesterday, however, no residents were inside at the time and there are no reports of injuries.
Additional reporting Shane Ó Curraighín, Pat McGrath
