A Wexford County Council worker has died after he was hit by a falling tree while clearing debris from Storm Eunice.

It happened late this morning in the Ballythomas area of the county.

This afternoon, Wexford County Council confirmed that the man, aged in his 60s, was a council worker engaged in storm clean-up.

“It is with deep regret and sadness that Wexford County Council confirms that one of our employees was fatally injured earlier today in a workplace accident,” said the council.

“The accident occurred as the employee attended the scene of a fallen tree in the North Wexford area.”

The council said its “thoughts and prayers are with the employee’s family, work colleagues and friends at this very difficult time”.

"Horrendous"

Councillor Pip Breen, Chair of the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District, told Newstalk the area is in “severe shock” this afternoon.

“For a man out doing his work and serving the community, it is horrendous and my thoughts are with his family and his friends and his workmates because it will impact on them all,” he said.

“He was a well-liked and well-respected member of the community.”

Cllr Breen said he the new the man personally and said he was highly respected among his colleagues.

“He was conscientious; he did his job and no fuss about it. He just got on with his work and did it and that was it,” he said.

“I was talking to his supervisor and they all speak very highly of him. He was a man of integrity.”

Devastating

On The Hard Shoulder this evening, the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Barbara-Anne Murphy said it is devastating for the man's family.

“He went to work this morning like so many others and he is not going home,” she said. “It is such an awful thing to happen.”

Investigation

Gardaí said the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

His body has been removed to Waterford University Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The Health and Safety Authority will investigate and is due to attend the scene.

Around 80,000 homes and businesses remain without power due to the impact of the storm.

A nationwide Status Yellow wind and rain warning is due to remain place until 6pm, while a Status Yellow snow and ice warning is in effect for the whole country until 10am tomorrow.

The man's family has been informed.

With reporting from Kacey O'Riordan.

Main image shows dark clouds gathering over Poolbeg, Dublin ahead of Storm Eunice, 18-02-2022. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews