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NIHE carries out 1,300 emergency repairs following Storm Éowyn
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has received 5,300 calls and issued 1,300 emergency repairs so far as part of its response to Storm Éowyn.
The repairs, which have been ongoing since Friday, mostly related to storm damage, fallen trees and heating issues.
Grainia Long, chief executive of NIHE, said: “Preparations for Storm Éowyn began early last week, when it became clear this weather event was to become a major incident.
“Our teams, contractors and homelessness partners were placed on standby and an extended severe weather emergency protocol was put in place, ensuring those at risk of rough sleeping were cared for.”
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Since Friday, she explained that as the poor weather subsided and when it was safe to do so, the Housing Executive’s maintenance teams and contractors were able “access sites, assess the scale of this damage and prioritise our response”.
Ms Long thanked those people who worked over the weekend with tenants to get the repair work done.
The NIHE is continuing to deal with emergency repairs, which have been prioritised at this time, she said.
Ms Long added: “We continue to receive exceptionally high numbers of calls, and because of the scale of storm damage and continued disruption, it may take some time to complete all our repair works.
“We would like to thank our tenants for their patience and understanding as we prioritise this work.
“All our offices are open and our local teams are available if any tenant needs to discuss any urgent housing issue.
“The SWEP [severe weather emergency protocol] remained in place over the weekend to provide extended support for those experiencing homelessness.
“Our teams also worked round the clock to ensure all available accommodation and support is available to those who found themselves homeless or who were rough sleeping.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to those homeless providers and voluntary organisations for providing additional support, extra bed spaces and outreach during this time.”
Around 60,000 homes and businesses in Northern Ireland remain without power in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn. Two people have died.
Multi-agency work is ongoing across the country to repair damage caused by the storm.
On Tuesday, communities minister Gordon Lyons announced £1m in funding to those affected by the storm.
He also said he has been working closely with ministerial colleagues to “ensure a joined-up approach to delivering support”.
Mr Lyons added: “I have also ensured that all necessary action has been taken across my department. This includes support for those who have found themselves homeless and for those needing assistance.
“I would like to commend all of our partners including councils, NIHE, Libraries NI and community and voluntary groups and individuals who have worked selflessly to make sure help is in place for people in hardship.”
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