Thousands Still Without Power in Ireland a Week After Storm Éowyn

A week after Storm Éowyn battered Ireland, thousands of people are still without power, struggling with the impact of the severe weather.

Efforts to restore power lines are ongoing, but ESB Networks reports that 76,000 homes, farms, and businesses are still in the dark in the Republic, while Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Networks warns some areas may not see power returned until Saturday evening.

“Miserable” Living Conditions for Some

Emma Garrett, from Mallusk in County Antrim, describes the situation as “miserable.” Her father-in-law, Wilfred Garrett (79), who has heart failure and relies on electricity to monitor his blood sugar levels, has been without power for days. .

“With type 1 diabetes, circulation is badly affected, so staying warm is really important,” Ms. Garrett said. “He relies on electricity to notify him when his blood sugar levels change dramatically, so that obviously wasn’t happening either with no power in his house.”

She expressed frustration with NIE Networks for not providing more support, stating, “They left him out a generator, but it wasn’t fit for purpose…which means that it would really only turn on his TV and a couple of lights – it wouldn’t turn on the heating system,” she said.

“Covered in the story:” IOM, and the island of Man at

• Storm Éowyn
• Irish power outages
• NIENetworks
• ESB Networks

A Difficult Week

Ms. Garrett spent hundreds on hotel rooms for her family, while her husband stayed home without power and heating, unable to cook or access showers.

“We do have a stove which was able to heat one room, but we have no warm water, no means to cook food and it’s dark, so it’s been pretty miserable,” she said. She added that they have thrown away around €300 worth of food and relied on takeaways due to the lack of power.

Calls for Support

“They definitely should be prioritizing people who are vulnerable, and perhaps people who are reliant on food banks, or people like my father-in-law, who is medically unwell,” said.

“They should be providing accommodation for them at this stage when they’re seven days and no heat in their house.”

“They left him out a generator, but it wasn’t fit for purpose. It would really only turn on his TV and a couple of lights – it wouldn’t turn on the heating system,” she said.

ME Networks restore power by 10pm on Saturday.

“We’re having to buy food daily because we can’t keep any food in the house. We can’t cook, so we’re having to rely on takeaways,” she said.

Cost of the Crisis

Ms Garrett estimates more than €1,500 on accommodation, food waste, and daily food purchases.

“I feel fortunate to have the money to cover the cost, but I’m very nervous about families struggling day-to-day who are”

“They definitely should be prioritizing people who are

“ They definitely should be providing accommodation for them at this stage when they’re seven days and no hear in their house.