Electricity supplies to all households and businesses across Northern Ireland affected by Storm Éowyn are expected to be fully restored today, according to NIE Networks.

In total, 285,000 households and businesses were impacted by power cuts following Éowyn which brought sustained high winds of 95mph on Friday, January 24, however, as of 8am this morning approximately just 400 customers remained without power in the country.

Derek Hynes, Managing Director of NIE Networks, said: "Our crews are determined to ensure that everyone impacted by Storm Éowyn gets power back today. 

"Storm Éowyn was an exceptional event. It was the first time that there was a Red weather alert in Northern Ireland and it resulted in one third of all properties losing power. 

"I would like to thank everyone who lost power for their patience, particularly those who had no electricity for several days.  There was so much damage in so many places it took days for our teams to get power back to everyone.

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"We know how important electricity is and how difficult everything becomes when it is gone for a few days."

Since Storm Éowyn took place, NIE Networks brought in additional help to assist in its efforts of restoring power to those impacted. This included crews being deployed to the most effected areas, with additional generators also being brought into use.

Derek continued: "Massive thanks to our existing partners who raised their game to help us, and to the companies in Great Britain and from across Europe who sailed and flew here to bring power back to the people of Northern Ireland.

"We are grateful to the agencies who helped us as we tried to repair the electricity network and to all of the organisations who worked with us as we tried to support those who were impacted the most when they had no electricity."

Many circuits will require permanent repairs to be put in place which will mean short periods of disconnection over the coming days and weeks to allow this to be carried out safely.

Derek concluded: "Finally, I want to recognise the effort of all of our teams in NIE Networks. I am very proud of how hard and safely they have all worked.

"Their effort was determined and compassionate. Our crews in the field showed amazing endurance. They are a credit to themselves and their families."