AQW 21456/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education to detail the steps his Department is taking, along with all relevant agencies, to ensure Abercorn Primary School, Banbridge, is reopened as soon as possible following the impact of Storm Éowyn.

Asked by Eóin Tennyson MLA on 28 January 2025

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
  • Priority
Tabled
28 January 2025
Answer due by
31 January 2025
Answered
6 February 20259 days after tabling
Department
Department of Education
Priority question
Yes

Answer

The Education Authority worked closely with relevant agencies to ensure all schools could safely reopen as quickly as possible after Storm Éowyn.

As the power restoration date for Abercorn Primary School was initially identified as 1 February, the school received a generator on the evening of Tuesday 28 January. However, an earthing issue during installation of the generator resulted in the school remaining closed on Wednesday 29 January. NIE engineers resolved the earthing fault, and the school reopened on Thursday 30 January, powered by the generator. Mains power to the school was restored on 31 January.

Official sources