Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Robin Swann MLA has asked the Northern Ireland Office what measures are being put in place for the arrival of a storm on Monday associated with Hurricane Ophelia.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Robin Swann MLA said:
“As indicated by the Met Office, the storm which is due to arrive in Northern Ireland on Monday has the potential to cause injuries and be a danger to life. In this context we contacted the NIO to ask what measures are being put in place to prepare Government agencies for the effects of the approaching storm. In the absence of an Executive, leadership and decision making responsibilities must lie with the Secretary of State.
“We have been advised the Secretary of State will be speaking to the Head of the Civil Service, David Sterling, on Monday. Given that the Republic of Ireland is deploying troops and advising people via regular TV and Radio broadcasts this evening that Red warnings apply in some of their counties and that Amber warnings across other counties may be upgraded to Red in the coming hours, I hope that all is being done that can be done to prepare for the storm`s arrival in Northern Ireland. The Met Office is doing its best to keep everyone updated. It needs to be treated with the utmost seriousness. Hopefully Northern Ireland will avoid the worst effects of the storm, but in case we don`t, then we should to be fully prepared in advance.”