Armstrong praises NIE post-Storm Eowyn but emphasises much work is now required by communication network companies
Armstrong praises NIE post-Storm Eowyn but emphasises much work is now required by communication network companies

Ulster Unionist MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Diana Armstrong, has praised the efforts of NIE in their tremendous work to restore power after Storm Eowyn but states that attention will now turn to getting communication networks back online.
“In the aftermath of this storm, I have to commend NIE for the mammoth task they have undertaken to restore the electricity network – repairing almost the entire NIE network in one week – and my thanks go to everyone involved in the operation to turn back on the lights in the homes of so many families, which I acknowledge has been very difficult and challenging.
“The restoration efforts although will enter a new phase with attention now turning to connectivity issues for many affected residents such as broadband and mobile coverage. All major telecom providers have sustained severe damage to their networks and unfortunately, it could be some time before we see normal services resume.
“I have liaised with all major providers with concerns from customers left without service in particular elderly, vulnerable people who rely on connectivity to keep in touch with their families. This affects not only the most vulnerable but also those who work from home or students who need to complete online assignments. Most providers are still assessing the damage to their networks and will likely have to rebuild their entire infrastructure in certain areas where poles and fibre cables have been wiped out. I understand the big providers are bringing engineers over from Great Britain to assist in the restoration efforts which I trust will help. However, the lack of communication from certain providers is causing much anxiety for those offline. These are unprecedented times and whilst I understand the scale of damage to networks, it is imperative that our rural isolated residents have connectivity restored especially in areas such as Fermanagh and South Tyrone which have been hit hardest.”