Storm Éowyn: tens of thousands of households across Northern Ireland still without power

Around 43,000 properties throughout Northern Ireland were still without electricity this morning (Tuesday) as the devastating fall-out from Storm Éowyn continued.

Specialist engineers have arrived from England to help repair the network, but some customers have been told it may be February 3 before their supply is restored.

More than 50 schools in Northern Ireland remained closed yesterday (Monday).

Ten of those were forced to close because of damage sustained to buildings, while the remainder did not have electricity supply.

Around 150 schools were damaged in the storm.

Secretary of State, Hilary Benn visited NIE Network headquarters in Belfast on Monday where he was updated on efforts to restore power to households.

He said: "We have got a way to go yet but we have been working very hard as the UK Government to meet the requests for support from the Northern Ireland Executive.

"In these circumstances my job is to make sure that we meet those needs.

"The engineers that have come over through the mutual support arrangements, the helicopters that are now here, and as other requests come in we will do our darndest to meet them.

"This is showing the strength of the United Kingdom working together to look after each other in the wake of this once-in-a-generation storm."

He added: "The system has worked. We have responded to requests for help and it shows the mutual aid which is the foundation of our country."

The Secretary of State said he had raised the issue of goodwill payments with NIE Networks.

He added: "They said they were going to consider that and come back with an answer.

"I recognise people are facing a lot of costs."

The NI Secretary said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had told Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Ministers Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little Pengelly that the Government would "give Northern Ireland all the support it needed".

Meanwhile Derek Hynes, Managing Director of NIE Networks, said: “Restoration efforts are well underway and we are using every resource available to us to try to restore power to households and businesses as quickly as we possibly can.

"Additional engineers are already working on the network, with more arriving over the course of the week. We have also secured additional helicopters to speed up our assessment process and additional generators to support the most vulnerable in the community.

"We’re doing our best to refine the updates we have for those still without power, and a second call centre has been opened to assist us in doing that. We also have representatives at Community Assistance Centres across Northern Ireland (details of which can be found at www.nienetworks.co.uk), and teams carrying out welfare checks on the most vulnerable.

"We are aware that First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly raised the possibility of a goodwill payment for households that have been severely impacted by Storm Éowyn.

"We are engaged with the Ministers on this matter, but our primary focus right now is to continue our work to restore power to all affected customers across Northern Ireland. ”

"We are particularly keen to remind the public to maintain safety around any damaged electricity equipment and never approach a broken pole or overhead power lines, and keep children and animals away. Please report any damage to NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643."

NIE Networks is also reminding of cautionary measures in the event of a power cut:

• Never approach broken overhead power lines or damaged poles and keep children and animals away.

• Report any damage to NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643.

• If you are using a generator, be careful where you site it in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost.

• Leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored.

• Take extra care if using candles.