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Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has offered his gratitude to the first responders and recovery teams who led the response to Storm Éowyn which slashed through Ireland in the early hours of 24 January.
“Storm Éowyn left enormous destruction in its wake. So many people took a hit, and thousands of homes and businesses in my own constituency were left without power for almost a full week." said Mr McNulty.
“What I was really struck by was the level of resilience and examples of communities coming together to support each other. Armagh SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon diligently provided up to date information, support and resolution to issues for families and businesses in his area. In Crossmaglen, SDLP Councillor Pete Byrne offered work equipment and machinery from his family’s business to help clear entrances to schools, football clubs, and community centres.
“I think it is also important to recognise the efforts of the NIE crews who under the steady steer of their MD Derek Hynes worked relentlessly and conscientiously around the clock to restore power to affected homes and businesses, right through from the teams on the ground to those communicating and coordinating behind the scenes.
“The disruption and havoc brought about by Storm Éowyn serves as a reminder to us all of nature’s destructive power and of the dangers posed by the climate crisis. It is important that we learn lessons from the response and work to improve our preparedness and resilience for future major weather events.”
