Strong winds cause power outages

Some 25,000 households across the country are without electricity today because of wind damage to power cables, the ESB said.

The Mayo and Donegal areas have been hardest hit with about 15,000 homes without power since this morning.

Met Éireann issued a gale warning this morning and said that wind speeds could reach 145 km/h in exposed hill and coastal areas of Ulster and Connacht.

An ESB spokesman said the outages had been caused by strong winds and branches or trees colliding with power cables.

He said repair crews were working to restore power in affected areas and that he hoped supply would be returned to all customers by nightfall. Some households may be without electricity until tomorrow morning, he added.

Members of the public are asked to stay away from damaged power cables and to contact the ESB on 1850 372 999 if their electricity supply has been affected.