Storms in Ireland leave thousands without phone lines or power

Dublin- More than 8,500 homes were left without telephone lines tonight as strong gales and heavy rains continued to hit the country. As engineers battle to restore services across the country, eircom said weather conditions are hampering emergency works.
Meanwhile, ESB has vowed that power will be restored to 5,000 homes still left without electricity by nightfall. Met Éireann has warned that south to southwest winds will reach gale force again this evening with heavy and persistent rain expected from the west.Snow and sleet are due to fall in some northern areas.Eircom said the high winds and heavy rain caused extensive damage to the network across the country.
“As a result of the ongoing stormy conditions, some customers are experiencing loss or disruption to their telephone service,” said a spokeswoman.“There are over 8,500 telephone faults nationwide with the worst hit areas including parts IN the North West, South West, Connacht and the Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary regions.”