Education Minister provides update on the impact Storm Éowyn

Date published: 28 January 2025

Providing the update on the ongoing efforts to ensure schools can reopen the Education Minister said: 

“Since the weekend, there have been significant efforts to ensure most schools have been able to open.

“Storm Éowyn brought widespread disruption to schools across Northern Ireland and the Education Authority has been working closely with NIE Networks and other partners to make repairs and get electricity reconnected.

“The Education Authority’s Maintenance Helpline has received around 1000 calls for assistance from schools as result of the impact of the storm. Work continues apace, and while the number continues to fluctuate, the latest position is that some 20 schools are currently closed, down from 60 on Monday.

“The vast majority of these are due to ongoing power outages and we are meeting regularly with NIE to ensure they are prioritised for reconnection as soon as possible. However, this remains a changing situation, and we appreciate the range of challenges facing NIE colleagues.”

Paul Givan continued: 

“Where schools are closed, the Education Authority is proactively engaging principals to ensure contingency arrangements are in place to support continuity of learning.

“When schools are closed supporting children’s learning at home can be a challenge. The Education and Training Inspectorate has published a guide to support parents and carers with their child’s learning. It includes a range of activities which do not require internet access for those homes which do not yet have electricity restored.

“As the situation is evolving, decisions are being taken by schools at a local level. We would therefore ask parents to stay in close contact with their school, as they will be communicating the latest position and advice via their usual channels.”

The Education and Training Inspectorate resource is available here: Ideas for parents and carers - Pre-school and Primary