Leonard praises Storm Éowyn emergency response in Sperrins

Sinn Féin Councillor Fergal Leonard has paid tribute to the many statutory agencies, Local Government and those from the voluntary sector who went well beyond the call of duty in the Sperrins in the ‘Recovery Phase’ after Storm Éowyn.

“I would like to acknowledge the work of the management and the staff at NIE and NIW who worked tirelessly around the clock in the days after the storm. Their sterling efforts were further compounded due to the mountainous and rural terrain in which they were working," he said.

"It is important going forward that rural areas are given equity of response as these are the areas that are usually first affected due to adverse weather and historically, the last to receive intervention. 

“As the Recovery Phase progressed, there were several magnificent examples of interagency working between Public Sector, Derry City & Strabane District Council and the Voluntary Sector including Aughabrack and District Community Association, Cranagh Community Association, Learmount Community Development Group, Glenelly Development Trust and the Red Cross. I would like to commend everyone involved who worked selflessly for the betterment of local citizens. 

“At this point, many people in the rural areas are still without internet and I am in regular contact with providers to ensure internet connectivity is restored as soon as possible for home workers, students and younger people alike.”