Power has been restored to 600,000 homes, farms and businesses across Ireland as of yesterday following the significant impact of Storm Éowyn, ESB Networks has announced.

However, approximately 168,000 customers still remain without supply as crews from the energy supplier continue with their efforts.

To support ESB Networks and partner contactors in their restoration effort post-Storm Éowyn, skilled technicians from counterparts in Great Britain have been deployed to the worst impacted areas.

Further support has arrived from Austria and Finland yesterday morning, while additional crews from electricity network operators in Netherlands and France are due to arrive over the coming days. 

Following Storm Darragh in December and other significant weather events like Storm Ophelia in 2017, ESB Networks received support from electricity network operators in Great Britain and Europe. 

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In addition, ESB Networks crews from the south and east of the country are also being redeployed to the worst impacted areas once restoration in their areas has been completed, while skilled retirees from ESB Networks are also being redrafted to assist.  

A statement from ESB Networks reiterated the company's request to the general public about safety. It said: "We still have many faults on the electricity network and have been made aware of several instances of potentially very dangerous incidents where members of the public have unknowingly approached fallen electricity infrastructure.

"Fallen debris after a storm can prevent people from seeing hidden risks such as wires entangled into trees and branches.

"If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999."

ESB Networks anticipate that the vast majority of customers who lost power during Storm Éowyn will have supply restored by Friday night, January 31.

For the remaining customers, these will progressively have power restored over the course of next week – this could be as many as 100,000 customers.