The aftermath of Storm Éowyn has left almost 50,000 homes without power across the island of Ireland, more than a week after the destructive weather event swept through the region. According to ESB Networks, restoration efforts are currently underway, with supply having been returned to 723,000 customers, though over 40,000 remain without electricity.
The storm, which had its peak impact on January 15, knocked out power to as many as 768,000 people and left around 200,000 others without water service. The continuous cyclone-like conditions have prompted Ireland's National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) to take decisive action to coordinate recovery efforts.
Engineers both from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have been working tirelessly to restore service, aided by technicians arriving from Great Britain and continental Europe. Within the Republic, notable progress has been made, with approximately 45,000 properties still waiting for power restoration as of Saturday evening, January 21. Meanwhile, operations north of the border show signs of improvement, as only about 3,000 customers remain impacted.
Despite the best efforts of the restoration teams, the ESB has issued safety advisories urging the public to stay clear of downed power lines, which have caused several dangerous incidents as people unknowingly approached them. ESB Networks is reminding everyone to maintain vigilance until all services are fully restored.
Given the increasing frequency and severity of storms—often attributed to climate change—many households are reflecting on what they can do to prepare for future outages. Residents are now considering practical measures such as investing in power banks, filling hot water bottles, and stocking up on non-perishable foods. For example, items like bread, butter, and fruits can be lifesavers when the electricity goes out, providing sustenance without needing cooking.
Another popular suggestion is keeping candles and torches handy. A local resident mentioned, “It may be bland, but if you are in a bind, you’ll be grateful for having something ready to eat.” Meanwhile, reports show some residents are responding to the outages by buying battery-powered radios to stay informed about the situation as it develops.
With the increasing numbers of families without power, portable generators have become highly sought after. Companies such as DE Power Solutions have experienced what they described as being “inundated” with inquiries following the storm. Many individuals living outside urban centers have contacted them, hoping to secure their own generators to mitigate power issues. Gary O'Shaughnessy, the company representative, noted, "The only solution when you have a power outage really, for someone that's out for two or three weeks, is a generator."
Generator prices vary widely, starting from €700 to €800 for smaller models capable of powering basic household functions, to larger units costing between €10,000 and €15,000 for those needing to run heating systems effectively. “I think people would spend €100 a day on petrol if they thought they had power,” O'Shaughnessy added, underscoring how desperate some families are to maintain their regular routines amid disruption.
It is reported, operating costs for petrol generators can run as high as €15 per day, whereas more fuel-efficient diesel alternatives hover around €5 or €6. O'Shaughnessy emphasizes the necessity of professional installation, as safe generator operation requires a qualified electrician to set up changeover switches to prevent electrocution risks during outages. He advocates for safety, “You must isolate the ESB just in case, if there’s someone working on repairs.”
Communities are also mobilizing to help one another through this crisis. Many area GAA clubs are being used as community centers where residents can gather for warmth, cooking facilities, and charging devices. This communal approach has provided key support to those most impacted.
Families are also encouraged to prepare their homes and other residents for future storms. Suggestions include neighbors forming response plans, maintaining open communication through platforms like WhatsApp groups, and sharing resources, such as cooking systems (e.g., gas stoves) to make life easier during outages.
With severe weather events expected to be more commonplace, the working group on National Emergency Coordination continues to stress the importance of preparedness and resilience. Checking on elderly neighbors or those who might require additional assistance is always wise, as everyone has been reminded of the unpredictability of nature.
Although power restoration efforts continue, Ireland’s experience with Storm Éowyn serves as both a wake-up call and reminder of the importance of being ready for the next challenge, whatever form it may take.