Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Over 2,000 ESB Networks staff are out repairing the electricity supply network. They will be supported by contractors that they are bringing in.

They are bringing in crews from Northern Ireland Electricity and they have been mobilised in the worst affected areas.

It is expected that the restoration process will take a number of days. As the damage is assessed, more detailed information will be provided on expected restoration times in local areas. Helicopters are being used by the ESB and they are operating out of Dungarvan and Kilcullen to patrol the lines and assess damage to the network. Patrols will be deployed as necessary throughout the day traversing the south of the country. There are also patrols in a number of specific areas and there is a plan for the restoration of the electricity supply.

Separately, the co-ordination group is meeting now and they are looking at the reports they are getting from the local authorities about the extent of the damage that has been done in addition to the reports from the ESB. Earlier this week, the Government considered the position up to 6 January and made decisions on foot of that. The information continues to come in from local authorities to assess what is needed.

In addition, 350 members of the Defence Forces have been put on standby to assist the local authorities in the work they have to do.

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