AQO 1594/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 13/02/2025
Answered On Date: 24/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline how the energy network will be better protected from storms such as Storm Éowyn going forward.

Answer:

Question 10 AQO 1594/22-27

Storm Éowyn was an unprecedented event. NIE Networks and partner agencies should be recognised for the tireless work that was undertaken during and after the storm.

Once NIE Networks has completed its major event review following Storm Éowyn, my Department will engage with them and the Utility Regulator to understand the lessons learned.

The Utility Regulator has recently approved an unprecedented £2.23 billion for the development and maintenance of the electricity grid over the period April 2025 to March 2031, this sum includes consideration of plans for risks related to the weather.

Climate change was likely a material factor in the severity of Storm Éowyn. My department has been working with DAERA and all departments to finalise the third Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme (NICCAP3) in response to the risks and opportunities set out in the most recent UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CRA3).

The draft NICCAP3 will go to the Executive before a public consultation.