Infrastructure Minister has thanked everyone involved
in responding to the effects of Storm Darragh, the third named
storm of the season to fall across a weekend.
Storm Darragh was a prolonged weather event which stretched from
Friday at 3pm until 6am Sunday. Damaging winds brought widespread
disruption, affecting transport and electricity networks. During
this time1336 incidents were reported on our roads, over
1000 of which were caused by fallen trees and branches. At its
peak, over 48000 homes were without power.
Infrastructure Minister said:
“This is the third named storm of the season to fall across a
weekend and I want to thank the multi-agency staff who have once
again risen to the challenge and have worked together very
effectively to keep the public safe. With over 1300 incidents
across the road network during the storm and 48,000 homes without
power at its peak, this has been a difficult period.
“When those who could were staying indoors, teams from my
department were outside working in the atrocious weather
conditions to keep people safe. Infrastructure staff were out on
the ground all weekend monitoring river levels and removing
accumulated material as well as clearing debris and trees off the
roads to get all major routes open. I want to thank and pay
tribute to them for doing so.
“I also want to commend all of the emergency services who have
been to the forefront of the weekend's operation keeping people
safe in very difficult conditions. Thank you also to the
Community Resilience Groups who were kept up to date with advance
notice of severe weather warnings so that they were prepared and
ready to respond in their communities. We will continue to work
with other agencies as the clear up continues.”
Road users are advised to remain cautious and vigilant – whilst
obstructions may be cleared debris may remain and there is still
the potential for further branches to fall given some trees will
be weakened by the storm impacts. Latest traffic information can
be found at: Trafficwatchni(external link
opens in a new window / tab). If you do spot
obstructions on the roads please help us by reporting this at
Report an obstruction on a road
or street | nidirect (external link opens in a new window /
tab) or call the 24-hour number on 0300 200 7899.
NIE Networks is reminding the public to stay clear of any damaged
electricity equipment and report it immediately to the Customer
Helpline on 03457 643 643. Members of the public should
never approach a broken pole or electricity line.
