As of 9am this morning, power has been restored to 242,000 properties in Northern Ireland following extensive damage to the electricity network caused by Storm Éowyn on Friday, according to NIE Networks.

However, approximately 43,000 customers still remain without electric as restoration efforts continue.

Derek Hynes, Managing Director of NIE Networks, stated the company is "using every resource available to us to try to restore power to households and businesses as quickly as we possibly can" and additional engineers are currently working on the network.

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Derek continued: "We have also secured additional helicopters to speed up our assessment process and additional generators to support the most vulnerable in the community.

"We're doing our best to refine the updates we have for those still without power, and a second call centre has been opened to assist us in doing that. 

"We also have representatives at Community Assistance Centres across Northern Ireland and teams carrying out welfare checks on the most vulnerable."

Derek also noted that First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly raised the possibility of a goodwill payment for households that have been severely impacted by Storm Éowyn and that NIE Networks is engaged on this matter, however, the primary focus right now is to continue works to restore power.

NIE Networks are particularly keen to remind the public to maintain safety around any damaged electricity equipment and never approach a broken pole or overhead power lines, and keep children and animals away. Any damage should be reported to NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643.