Further support for Northern Ireland from London in Storm Eowyn aftermath
Further support for Northern Ireland from London in Storm Eowyn aftermath
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Further support has been promised from London as work continues to repair damage caused across Northern Ireland by Storm Eowyn. On Sunday evening, more than 75,000 people remained without power and work continued to clear fallen trees from roads. Additional engineers have been brought to the region from Great Britain to help NIE Networks to restore power.
Some 52 engineers from England had been scheduled to arrive on Saturday, with 30 to be utilised by NIE and 22 to assist ESB Networks in the Irish Republic, and further resources to follow. NIE Networks said it has more than 1,000 staff including 700 in the field working to restore supplies to customers as quickly as possible.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said further support is coming from Great Britain. He said ministers from a number of UK Government departments, led by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden, were working to assist NI Executive ministers.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, Mr Benn said more engineers were on their way to assist and further requests are being examined.
“The scale of the damage wrought by this storm is deeply concerning, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to all those working hard to restore electricity, clear fallen trees and debris and keep people safe,” he said. “I am pleased that under mutual aid arrangements, specialist engineers from England are already in Northern Ireland to assist with the urgent effort to restore power to communities and more are on their way.
