Telecommunications Industry Ireland statement on Storm Éowyn

The telecoms sector fully appreciates how essential connectivity is to individuals and businesses everywhere, and the difficulties experienced when service is disrupted. Modern communications rely on electricity to power the networks. Network operators planned ahead and responded immediately and effectively to the devastating and unprecedented impact of Storm Éowyn by redeploying all available personnel to send approximately 1800 staff who have made thousands of site visits to carry out repairs in affected areas. These staff have continued to work incredibly long hours to reconnect customers.

As of this morning some 0.46% of fixed service customers are affected, down from a peak of 10.09% and 1.28% of mobile service customers, down from a peak of 34.9%.

Industry understands the impact and frustration of customers still affected and every effort is being made to reconnect them to their provider as soon as possible. Where possible, mobile generators were deployed and re-deployed to the worst affected areas when a mast went offline, as telecoms masts cease to function if power is unavailable.

The telecoms sector has worked closely throughout with ESB Networks who coordinated with our members to restore power, Coillte who helped in their forests, ComReg, the Department of Communications and all local authorities. We acknowledge their support and cooperation as well as the efforts of local communities, landowners, our contractors and our repair crews.