Power still out in several areas of Offaly this morning

Photo: A photo of a fallen tree posted this morning on Offaly County Council's Twitter account.

ESB crews are working to restore power to 194,000 homes, farms and businesses in the aftermath of Storm Ellen, including several faults in Offaly.

The damage seems to be more widespread than predicted in this region with the Midlands counties of Westmeath and Longford feeling the effects of the gale force winds last night and early this morning.

Power is gone in parts of Moate, Athlone and Ballinasloe and Ballymahon. The worst hit areas were in the west and south of the country.

In Offaly, the county seems to have escaped the worst of the storm damage, however, electricity is still out for over 900 householders in Birr and Clareen, while faults have also been reported in an area of Clara (over 100 homes), and another affecting a small number of homes in Srah, Tullamore.

It's expected to be later today before the faults are fixed and power is restored in this areas.

Meanwhile, Offaly County Council has appealed to motorists to exercise caution on the roads as they clear fallen trees and debris from the roads.

Crews in Birr, Edenderry and Tullamore have been clearing trees and debris since 2.30am this morning, the council's latest Twitter update at 9am said. All main roads are now clear of trees and the crews are continuing to clear debris from stretches across the county.

A tree is down on telephone lines at the former briquette factory at Mount Lucas, and the council are working with other agencies to safely remove this.

Trees are also reported to be down close to Lough Boora Parklands, on the road between Kilcormac and Kinnitty, and between Ballycumber and Moate.

Traffic lights are out in Geashill village.

Gardai in Laois/Offaly are warning drivers that there is a lot of debris on roads and reports of some trees down which were removed overnight by crews. Please reduce your speed and expect the unexpected, the posting said.

If the public sees any fallen trees please contact Offaly County Council via email: customerservices@offalycoco.ie or by calling 0579346800 or messaging on Twitter.

Real time information on power outages and restoration times is available on the PowerCheck App or www.powercheck.ie.

If your fault is not logged please report it at www.esbnetworks.ie or on 1800 372 999. Customers should have their MPRN available to access recorded information specific to their location. You can also check @ESBNetworks on Twitter for updates.

ESB Networks is reminding customers of the precautionary measures to take in the event of a power cut:

• Stay Safe, Stay Clear: Never approach broken lines or damaged poles, and keep children and animals away – report damage to ESB Networks at 1800 372 999 and listen to recorded messages carefully.

• Turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost

• Leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored

• Take extra care if using candles, oil lamps or other naked flames

• Test smoke alarms with fresh batteries

• Ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters.