Thousands still without power after storm hits
Between three and four thousand people are still without power this afternoon after stormy conditions disrupted power lines.
Co Donegal was the worst affected as winds gusted up to 130 kilometres per hour in parts as the tail-end of Hurricane Katia beared down.
ESB head of corporate communications Brian Montayne said that although they have no timetable for repairs, they were prepared for these outages.
"We have crews, we were prepared for today's events" he said. "We had an advance weather warning from Met Éireann late last week - so we had our crews primed for this morning and today".
"We will be restoring supply as soon as practical."
Trees were brought down in Galway city and county while high tides made worse by the gales caused severe flooding along the promenade in Salthill.
The Coast Guard urged people to take care, particularly around the coast and in exposed areas, while the road safety chiefs warned motorists to be extra vigilant if driving in stormy conditions.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) said: “Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to check local weather forecasts before making journeys. If necessary, consider delaying your journey until the weather improves.
“If you must take to the roads, watch out for falling debris and keep in off the road when meeting traffic.”
In Clare, the Cliffs of Moher visitors’ centre urged people to postpone planned trips to the site while in Limerick flying debris was making driving conditions treacherous.
Road travel in counties Cork, Tipperary, Donegal, Galway and Kildare was also disrupted by fallen trees and branches and flooding.
Elsewhere, the Irish Ferries Swift sailings from Dublin to Holyhead have been cancelled because of rough seas.
Met Éireann said winds speeds will range from 30-50mph – with gusts ranging 55-80mph.
It has forecast that gale force winds will affect most of the country overnight, but will calm down tomorrow.
Internet weather news site, irishweatheronline.com, reported gusts of winds up to 85mph on Arranmore island off Donegal.
The Harry Blaney bridge, which spans Mulroy bay off the Fanad peninsula in north Donegal, was shut as a precautionary measure.
Local ferry services to and from the islands off the county were cancelled for the day.
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