ESB Networks say they've restored electricity to 20,000 customers who lost power due to Storm Barney.

Currently 25,000 customers remain without power.

The southern half of the country is worst affected as the storm crosses Ireland, with gale force winds with gusts of up to 125 kilometres per hour.

The areas worst affected include Portlaoise, Kilkenny, Ennis, Athlone, Naas, Wicklow, North Wexford, Tullamore, Mullingar and Celbridge.

Bernadine Maloney of ESB Networks says many customers will remain without power overnight: