Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on workers’ rights, Declan Kearney MLA, has commended frontline workers for their tireless efforts throughout the recent storm emergency to restore power and water supplies across the north.

The South Antrim MLA said:

“I want to welcome confirmation from NIE that all remaining premises have now been reconnected in the north and that engineers are now moving into the south to connect properties that are still without power.

“Storm Éowyn was an unprecedented weather event that caused havoc across the island of Ireland and beyond, resulting in severe damage to the power and water infrastructure throughout the country.

“I commend all the frontline workers including NIE engineers, the Department for Infrastructure, NI Water staff and the PSNI who worked tirelessly round the clock in extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances to clear roads, ensure public safety, and restore power and water supplies.

“I also want to pay tribute to those health workers who, despite the obvious risk to their personal safety, ventured out into our communities to ensure uninterrupted delivery of home care for the most vulnerable. 

“Without the efforts of all our workers, communities, businesses and households would still be without power.”