Givan – Response to Storm Éowyn continues

Date published: 25 January 2025

The EA is coordinating the emergency response and providing assistance to schools that have been impacted by the storm.

Speaking after the meeting Paul Givan said: 

“To date, over 100 schools have reported damage to their property ranging from minor damage to fences, missing roof tiles to more significant structural damage.

“The Education Authority’s Maintenance service is currently working hard to prioritise the most critical repairs across Northern Ireland. Staff are out on the ground assessing the damage to schools, taking forward essential repairs and establishing whether it is safe for the more severely damaged schools to open on Monday.

“NIE Networks has reported extensive damage to the electricity network and we currently estimate that more than 100 schools are still without power. We are currently working closely, and NIE have confirmed that they will, where possible, prioritise schools that currently have no power.

“While every effort continues to be made over this weekend to ensure that impacted schools can reopen as soon as practicably possible, it is likely that some schools may need to move to remote learning on Monday 27 January 2025.”

EA’s School Transport Service plans to operate as normal on Monday, however there may be some disruption or delays to routes as a result of damage to roads

Speaking directly to school principals, the Minister continued: 

“I would ask schools to report critical repairs over this weekend through EA’s Maintenance Service’s Out of Hours Helpline on 028 3751 2345. NIE have also strongly advised not to approach any electricity equipment and to be extra careful around fallen trees and when assessing damage.

“If a decision has been taken to close your school building due to the impact of the storm, please continue to provide learning from home for the children and young people who are unable to attend school on Monday.”

The Minister concluded by thanking those who have been involved in the response to Storm Éowyn: 

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to all EA colleagues who have worked tirelessly to protect our schools and ensure the safety of our educational community. Their dedication, both on the front line and behind the scenes, has been exemplary during this challenging period.

“The storm has caused unprecedented damage across the whole of Northern Ireland and I appreciate the continued patience of schools and parents as we work to help affected schools recover as quickly as possible.”

Schools will be communicating any special arrangements or closures directly with parents/carers at the earliest opportunity. Information will also be available on www.nidirect.gov.uk.