Frontline workers from ESB Networks, Uisce Éireann, the Irish Coast Guard and more have been working around the clock after the unprecedented damage following Storm Éowyn last week, writes Chloe O'Keeffe.

The entire country entered a status red wind warning in the early hours of Friday (January 24) with many homes and businesses losing power and water as a result.

Homes and infrastructure across the country were damaged during the nationwide red-level weather event, which brought record-breaking wind speeds and cut power to more than a million customers on the island.

Tragically, a young man was killed after a tree fell on his car in Co Donegal during the storm.

Met Éireann said that the highest gust recorded in Irish history — 182km/h in 1945 in Foynes, Co Limerick was topped by a gust of 185km at Mace Head on Friday morning (January 24).

The storm also resulted in the most power outages on Friday with almost a million buildings losing their connections.

However, emergency crews have been working around the clock since then, in an attempt to restore water and power to those affected.

As of Monday evening (January 27), ESB Networks have restored supply to 564,00 homes, farms and businesses, with 204,000 customers still awaiting restoration.

ESB Networks received support from Great Britain, with support from Austria, Finland, Netherlands and France set to arrive to help with the remaining outages.

ESB Networks urges the public to remain vigilant and not approach any fallen electricity infrastructure.

Since the clean-up operation started on Friday, teams have been working tirelessly, not even being hindered by the difficult conditions from Storm Herminia on Sunday evening.

Uisce Eireann teams have also been working around the clock in order to restore water to houses and businesses, with a statement from the service confirming that 31,000 remain without water supply — down from a peak of 200,000.

Frontline members of the Irish Coast Guard have also been deployed on Monday and helped with the restoration of power and water in Inishmaan.

Rescue 118 carried a large generator over to the island using an external sling for the first time in Irish history.

Thank you, ESB Network teams and fellow frontline workers, for your dedication in restoring power and hope after Storm Eowyn. You’re helping get our country back on its feet