Storm Threatens Public Transport And 6,000 Homes Without Power As Bad Weather Continues

The stormy weather has caused havoc for many travelling home today as public transport services experience major delays. Electricity has been cut off in many areas and at one point today 17,000 homes were without power. An ESB spokesperson said: "The majority of customers affected are located in the Oldcastle, Co Meath where 800 customers are effected by a single major fault. Miltown Malbay in County Clare,Claremorris, Co Mayo and the south coast of Wexford have also been impacted." The ESB also said about 6,000 homes and businesses in the Achill area are without electricity because of lightning. 11,000 customers in west Galway have just had their power restored, the spokeswoman added. Customers experiencing a loss of supply are advised to check online at www.esbpowercheck.ie. The stormy weather has caused havoc in the run-up to Christmas Some Irish Ferries services were also cancelled as a result of the adverse conditions including the Rosslare to Pembroke route. They are due to resume on Friday but Irish Ferries said this is in serious doubt because of the weather and they are subject to later confirmation. The Irish Coast Guard has also issued a warning for those planning to take part in organised Christmas Day swims. A spokesman said: "The Coast Guard advises the public not to go out on exposed coasts, cliffs, piers, harbour walls, beaches, promenades or any other coastal areas due to recent storms. "There is a warning of heavy swell on Atlantic coasts. These waves can pose hazards to anyone close to the shoreline.