Storm Darragh Causes Significant Damage in Galway – Cleanup Operations Ongoing

Cleanup operations are continuing across the county after Storm Darragh caused significant damage in Galway overnight. Heavy winds downed trees and power lines which blocked many roads, with council crews working hard this morning to get them reopened. As of this afternoon, the majority of national roads across Galway have reopened, however, debris remains in many places and motorists are advised to exercise caution.

A map of weather-related road closures can be found online at: Weather Map.

A number of downed trees were also reported in Galway City, with council crews clearing them away this morning. Uisce Eireann has also reported that power outages are causing water supply disruptions to many areas in the west side of Galway City and out into Connemara.

ESB Networks reported that 325,000 homes, farms, and businesses across Ireland remained without power as of 11:30. There has been widespread damage to electrical infrastructure, with further outages expected throughout the day.

“From our experience of previous significant weather events and due to the severity of Storm Darragh, we expect that power restoration will take multiple days,” an ESB spokesperson said. “Significant numbers of impacted customers will have their power restored throughout today but restoration efforts will take a number of days, and it is likely that the areas worst affected will take longer.”

FAQs

1. What caused the significant damage in Galway?
The damage in Galway was caused by heavy winds from Storm Darragh, which downed trees and power lines.

2. Are all national roads in Galway reopened?
As of this afternoon, the majority of national roads have reopened, but motorists are advised to exercise caution due to debris in some areas.

3. How long is it expected for power restoration to take?
ESB Networks anticipates that power restoration will take multiple days due to the severity of the storm and widespread damage to electrical infrastructure.

4. Are there water supply disruptions in Galway City?
Yes, Uisce Eireann has reported water supply disruptions in the west side of Galway City and out into Connemara due to power outages.

5. How many homes and businesses are without power in Ireland?
As of 11:30, 325,000 homes, farms, and businesses across Ireland remained without power.

6. Will power be restored to all affected areas today?
While efforts are being made to restore power to as many customers as possible today, some areas may take longer due to the extent of the damage.

7. How can motorists stay updated on road closures?
A map of weather-related road closures can be found online at: Weather Map.

8. What advice is given to motorists in Galway?
Motorists are advised to exercise caution due to debris on the roads and ongoing cleanup operations.

9. Are there any specific areas in Galway City that were heavily impacted?
Galway City reported a number of downed trees, with council crews working to clear them away this morning.

10. How long do authorities expect the cleanup operations to last?
Cleanup operations are ongoing, and it is expected that the process will continue for several days to clear debris and restore normalcy.

Tags

Storm Darragh, Galway, Cleanup Operations, Weather Damage, Power Outages, Road Closures