Storm Dave Causes Widespread Power Outages in Kerry and Ennis

Storm Dave has caused significant operational disruptions across County Kerry, impacting essential utility infrastructure, transportation networks, and the local hospitality sector. As of April 4, 2026, more than 3,000 homes and businesses in the region are without electricity, creating a widespread challenge for local commerce and public services.

Utility Infrastructure and Power Outages

Data from ESB Networks’ Powercheck app indicates that power outages are scattered across the county rather than concentrated in a single area, reflecting the impact of strong wind gusts on local transformers and lines. The most significant outages are concentrated in North Kerry, where nearly 2,000 homes and businesses in Sméarla have lost power.

Other verified outages include:

• Portmagee: 852 customers without power, with estimated restoration at 7:15 p.m.
• Cahersiveen: 203 customers affected, with restoration hoped for by 5:45 p.m.
• Rathmore: 76 customers without power, with restoration expected by 5:30 p.m.
• Waterville: 52 homes and businesses affected, with restoration estimated for 6:30 p.m.
• Mastergeehy: 26 customers without power, with restoration expected by 6:00 p.m.

ESB Networks has cautioned the public that any fallen lines must be treated as live and highly dangerous, urging people to remain clear of damaged infrastructure until specialist teams can secure the sites.

Impact on Tourism and Hospitality

The storm has particularly affected Kerry’s status as a tourism hub, with rural guesthouses, self-catering properties, and small coastal hotels facing operational hurdles. These businesses rely on continuous power for critical systems, including water pumps, heating, and card payment systems.

Some accommodation providers in scenic areas have reported disruptive interruptions and have been forced to switch to generators to maintain basic services for guests. Tourism operators have advised visitors to keep mobile devices charged and follow local guidance from hosts as repair crews work to restore the network.

Transportation and Logistics Disruptions

The regional transport network has faced severe constraints due to fallen trees and high winds. Gardaí in Tralee reported that the road at Ballyard, located just outside the Tralee Bay Wetlands, became impassable due to a fallen tree. Kerry County Council has been deployed to clear a tree that fell on cables at Ballintogher, Lixnaw.

Air travel has also been impacted. A Ryanair flight from Stansted, scheduled to arrive just before 4:00 p.m. On April 4, 2026, was unable to land at Kerry Airport due to strong winds. Passengers have been advised to coordinate with the airline for updates regarding route disruptions.

Public Safety and Regional Warnings

Kerry County Council has issued warnings for residents and travelers to exercise extra caution. A specific warning was issued regarding the coastline, with high tide expected between 6:30 p.m. And 7:30 p.m. On April 4, 2026.

The broader impact of Storm Dave has extended beyond Kerry, with reports of ongoing power outages in different areas of the country, including Limerick City and County, as well as outages in Ennis.