Emergency Executive meeting called

The First Minister Peter Robinson MLA and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA have called an emergency meeting of the Executive on Thursday 30 December to discuss the current problems caused by burst pipes.
~ Wednesday, 29 December 2010

In a joint statement the Ministers said: Our officials have been in daily contact with NI Water and the Civil Contingencies Group was operational over the Christmas period. Given the difficulties that are apparent we have decided, as an Executive, to look at how the response to the current situation can be improved.

We have also spoken to the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and have accepted an offer of 160,000 litres of water which should be here today.

NI Water’s response was clearly inadequate and we are now looking urgently at what further measures can be taken to alleviate the problems people are facing. At our request, officials spoke overnight to NI Water and we have now sent civil service staff to provide support in their call centre. We have also asked the Head of the Civil Service to continue to work with the Civil Contingencies Group in advance of the Executive to discuss the emergency response. As priority we have asked that group to look at how communication to the public can be improved.

Clearly we must ensure that the vulnerable and those most at risk are protected. All district councils have invoked their emergency response arrangements and to make their leisure centres available to provide the public with showering facilities. They are also working with NI Water to identify suitable sites for water bowsers and water distribution. The majority of councils already have appropriate arrangements in place, with the remainder expected to do so by the end of business today.

It is also important that we ensure that schools and business which are currently closed for the holidays are ready to open next week. We would urge those in charge of properties to check their premises now and if there are leaks to turn off their mains supply and contact NI Water."

Notes to editors:

1. Consumers can contact NI Water’s Customer Services by telephone on 0845 744 0088, textphone on 0845 702 3206, typetalk on 0800 051 5446 or by email on waterline@niwater.com
2. More information on the alternative water supplies and advice on coping without mains water can be found on the nidirect website.
3. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8142. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.