WEATHER WARNING: 1,200 Kilkenny homes without power, dangerous debris loose on M7 motorway

Close to 1,200 houses in Kilkenny are without power this morning following the high winds and heavy rains that are currently battering the county.

There are also reports of debris coming loose on roads across the county and motorist are being urged to drive with care.

ESB Networks are reporting five different outages across the county this morning.

The largest of the outages in Castlecomer where some 795 homes have been without power since shortly after 9.30am this morning. The ESB expect to have the power restored by lunchtime.

150 homes in Thomastown, 51 homes in Graiguenamanagh, 150 in Ballyhale and 40 homes in Callan are all without power at the moment. The ESB expects all these homes will be reconnected again by lunchtime.

An ESB spokesperson said: “We apologise for the loss of supply. We are currently working to repair a fault affecting your premises and will restore power as quickly as possible.”

Meanwhile, both AA Roadwatch and Transport for Ireland are reporting debris at Junction 8 on the M7 motorway near Urlingford that is causing issues.

People on social media are reporting that a slipway divider, the big green plastic objects that show motorists where to turn off has come loose.

An AA spokesperson said: “There is debris southbound on the M8 at J4 Urlingford. Care is advised along this stretch.”

The Status Yellow Wind Warning issued by Met Éireann yesterday will now remain in place until 6pm this evening, while the Status Yellow Rain Warning remains in place until 9pm this evening.