ESB issue response regarding repeated East Meath power outages
ESB Networks have responded to criticism and apologised over recent power outages in East Meath, which is affecting areas such as Bettystown, Laytown, Julianstown, and Mornington.
A series of outages have been experienced in these towns over the course of the year, with businesses and remote workers being among the many affected by the lack of electricity.
There have also been reports of phone coverage and internet problems as well in these areas throughout the year, adding further frustrations to locals.
Cllr Marie White of the Laytown/Bettystown municipal area says her and TD Darren O’Rourke have been following up with the issues, and have now received a response from the ESB, which she posted on Facebook.
“ESB Networks acknowledges the concerns of customers in the Bettystown, Laytown and Mornington area following a number of recent unplanned power outages.
“We understand the disruption that interruptions to electricity supply can cause for homes, businesses and vulnerable customers, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience experienced,” the statement reads.
“We acknowledge that customers in the Bettystown, Laytown and Mornington area have experienced a higher-than-normal number of unplanned outages during 2026, with six incidents affecting all or a significant portion of the area.
“These unplanned outages arose from a range of separate fault events, including cable fault, transformer fault, pole-top equipment deterioration and a Low Ground Conductor (LGC) incident, where a circuit was automatically disconnected for safety reasons.”
They added, “The network serving the area comprises a combination of overhead and underground infrastructure, and the recent outages have occurred across different parts of the network, reflecting a variety of unrelated causes rather than a single recurring issue.
“ESB Networks is currently delivering a significant programme of capacity and continuity investment across the wider Drogheda area to strengthen the network and improve security of supply for customers.
“This includes major projects at Julianstown which will further enhance network capacity, continuity and resilience for customers across Bettystown, Laytown and Mornington.
“As these works are being delivered, parts of the network are operating in a transitional configuration, which can mean a greater number of customers may be affected when faults occur.
“While we appreciate the disruption this may cause, these investments are essential to delivering a stronger and more resilient electricity network for the area.
“The current programme of works is expected to be completed by the end of September. Once complete, customers in Bettystown, Laytown and Mornington will benefit from improved security of supply, enhanced network resilience and greater flexibility in how the network is operated and restored following faults.
“We would like to thank customers for their patience while these important upgrades are being completed and reassure them that the end result will be a more robust network that will better serve homes, businesses and communities across the area.
“ESB Networks remains committed to investing in the electricity infrastructure serving the Drogheda region and to delivering both shorter-term improvements and longer-term capacity solutions that support reliable supply for existing and future customers”
They concluded by saying, “We hope this satisfies the queries put forward by residents in East Meath and once again wish to thank them for their patience.