Infrastructure Minister thanks staff working to clear roads in wake of Storm Éowyn

Date published: 25 January 2025

There were over 2,300 reported obstructions on the road network during the storm including hundreds on motorways and class A, B and C roads. This means hazards remain on many roads across the north while the clearance operation continues. The public are urged to exercise caution if using the roads.

Minister O’Dowd said: “Our teams worked with other agencies to prepare for the potential impacts of Storm Éowyn and have been working extremely hard in difficult circumstances to deal with the aftermath.

“Our staff and contractors have been working around the clock, with the strategic network now open to traffic, but that does not tell the whole story. The work involved in opening just one road can take many hours. For example, 70 trees had to be cleared yesterday to re-open the M2.

“Our teams have also been assisting the health services to clear debris on routes into hospital sites as well as working with NIE Networks and NI Water to gain access to their critical infrastructure.   

“The clear up has been made more challenging with overnight snow and frost in many areas. Despite this, a gritting service was delivered on the main strategic road network and, again, I thank those who go out to do this work in the freezing weather.

“I want to thank our staff for the work they are doing to get our roads open safely again but the scale of the damage means a full clear-up could take a number of days. I would encourage road users to pay heed to ‘road closed’ signs as these warnings are intended to keep the travelling public safe.”

There are further Met Office yellow warnings for snow and ice and wind in place for the weekend which is putting our resources under extreme pressure. 

While we will endeavour to deliver further gritting services on the main strategic road network we would continue to urge the public to consider if their journey is necessary  and if you must travel please plan ahead and exercise caution and be mindful of changing conditions as roads which are normally gritted might not be.   

A yellow warning for wind is in place for tomorrow and while not expected to be a strong as Friday , road users are advised to remain cautious and vigilant as there is the potential for further trees, structures and powerlines already weakened by Storm Éowyn to fall.

NIE Networks is reminding the public to stay well 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 or cut trees in the vicinity of electricity infrastructure as they may come in contact with live power lines. 

Should customers experience a power cut they can report the fault and check for updates at Powercheck NI (powercheck.nienetworks.co.uk)