Cllr Alan Barr praises efforts of community and partner agencies working together after Storm Éowyn

Dans Road, Ballymena

Braid Ulster Unionist Councillor Alan Barr has paid tribute to those who have stepped up over the last few days to help members of the community impacted by Storm Éowyn which swept across Northern Ireland on Friday, January 24.

Bringing wind gusts of up to 100mph, extensive damage was caused to infrastructure including electricity and water supplies.

Engineering teams from NIE and NI Water among other agencies have since been scrambling to carry out repairs but around 60,000 customers are still without power as of earlier on Monday afternoon.

Local community hubs at churches and Orange halls opened up their facilities to offer a warm space, electricity, WiFi and even showers for those who have been affected.

Commenting today, Monday January 27, Cllr Barr has praised the efforts of those who have been offering a helping hand as well as those multi-partner agencies who have been working tirelessly to repair the damage to infrastructure.

Councillor Barr said:

“Thankfully the hard working teams from NIE and their colleagues from the rest of the UK are working tirelessly to restore power across Northern Ireland.

“NIE have a team working in partnership with the Health Trusts visiting homes of vulnerable people. These teams carry out a check and assess their needs for further assistance.

“If you know of any vulnerable person who may require such a visit please let me know on 07736 128 355.

“Also our voluntary groups within the Braid area continue to do a tremendous job in assisting the community. Particular organisations which I am aware of and want to thank are:

• Braid Pastoral Centre, Carnlough Road

• 2nd Broughshane Presbyterian Church

• St. Patrick’s Church Broughshane

• Broughshane Orange Hall

• Con Magees GAA Glenravel

• Gospel Bus Ministries - Antrim Road

• Martinstown Hub

• Connor Presbyterian Church

• Houston’s Mill Boughshane

• The Hub Broughshane

“Ballymarlow Orange Hall is still available for heating a meal, water and charging phones.

“The amount of community based organisations which have opened their doors to assist people demonstrates how strong the community spirit still is within our area. Thank you to you all.”