More than 2,000 homes and business premises in Waterford city and its hinterland were left without electricity yesterday after lightning struck an ESB sub-station.
The lightning hit a pylon, cutting through a cable at the sub-station on Mount Misery shortly before 9 a.m.
As well as cutting the supply to homes and businesses it also led to problems with water pumps, creating further difficulties in residential areas.
Gardaí in the city were also put under pressure dealing with a number of calls to activated alarms. Power was restored to some homes and premises by 5 p.m.
Some homes and businesses were also affected in Wexford, particularly in New Ross, Campile and Enniscorthy. Power cuts were also reported as far north as Dundalk.
The ESB has warned there may be more power cuts if further lightning strikes occur, as forecast by Met Éireann.
Motorcylists die in accidents
A 34-year-old motorcyclist died yesterday morning at Johnstown, Enfield, Co Meath, when his motorcycle was in collision with an articulated lorry at 3.30 a.m. He was Mr Michael John Linehan, Ballincollig, Co Cork.
And in another fatal accident involving a motorcycle, a 28-year-old Mayo man died when his bike was in collision with a car on the Headford/Galway road late on Sunday night.
He was Mr Patrick Hughes, of Shrule.
The woman who died in an accident near Longford town on Sunday afternoon was named yesterday as Ms Alva Keegan (58), of Tyrrellspass, Co Westmeath.
Report into child's death completed
The report ordered by the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, into the circumstances surrounding the cancellation by a Dublin hospital of a two-year-old girl's surgery two weeks ago was completed by the Eastern Regional Health Authority and sent to the Minister's office last night.
The girl died while waiting for the operation. Mr Martin will be making the findings of the report public.