Debate contribution: Storm Resilience and Infrastructure Preparedness

Debate contribution by Mr Gary Middleton on 20 October 2025.

MLA: Mr Gary Middleton
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 20 October 2025
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Storm Resilience and Infrastructure Preparedness
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5189010

Text

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank Members for their contributions. I will wind on the DUP amendment. In recent months, Northern Ireland has faced a series of serious weather incidents that have caused disruption across our communities, whether that be storm Darragh, storm Éowyn or, more recently, storm Amy. Those storms exposed the vulnerability of our infrastructure, our emergency response systems and our communication networks. We have seen at first-hand the impact that the storms have had on homes, leaving people without power and water and cutting communities off from mobile and broadband signal. Of course, it is not just an inconvenience for people; it is about people's safety. It is also about ensuring that, when the next storm hits, people across Northern Ireland are not left in the dark, literally or figuratively. The amendment rightly highlights the alarming situation at Ballylumford power station, where storm damage, combined with planned maintenance at Coolkeeragh, left our electricity supply dangerously exposed to a single point of failure.
Absolutely. Unfortunately, I do not have enough time to respond extensively, but I support the Member's sentiment. Northern Ireland cannot function without a reliable power supply. Our hospitals, emergency services and schools very much rely on it. Road safety has also been highlighted, which is another major issue as surface flooding and debris on the road make travel dangerous. DFI is responsible for gullies, and they should be unblocked. Roads should be prepared for potential storm incidents as well. Our amendment calls for clearer contingency planning and better coordination between Departments. We also call on the Minister for the Economy to ensure that her pursuit of renewables does not jeopardise energy security. There must be a balanced and responsible approach. I will summarise some of the Members' comments. Mr Butler, who moved the motion, expressed sympathy, as did many other Members, with those affected by the flooding in Newcastle. We share those sentiments. He also spoke about the need for long-term solutions and stronger collaboration. My colleague Mr Brett highlighted the concern over the near-blackout situation and the shameful way in which we found out about that. He said that we have a moral duty to recognise the climate change that is happening but that we must also be realistic about how we can respond to the challenge. He called on the First Minister and the deputy First Minister to focus on providing strong leadership and on ensuring that basic services are provided. Cathy Mason spoke about the response in her constituency and welcomed advice from DFI but highlighted the lessons that should be learned about school closures. Andrew McMurray spoke about his constituency and the need for the flood forecasting service to be strengthened and expanded. Justin McNulty wanted specific plans put in place for empowering communities. Cathal Boylan gave DFI much praise for its response and commended all the staff who work to support those affected by flooding. Nick Mathison spoke from an education perspective about lessons that need to be learned. The Minister has since committed to reviewing the situation. Áine Murphy spoke from a constituency perspective about the need to support rural dwellers. Diana Armstrong talked about the need for joined-up working. Mr Honeyford broke with the consensus across the Chamber. At present, the Alliance Party is sensitive to criticism and particularly touchy when it comes to being challenged. I can assure Mr Honeyford, however, that, in our amendment, there is none of the commentary about which he raised concerns.
Unfortunately, I have no time to do so. We know that the Alliance Party supports the green agenda. This is not an orange and green issue but, rather, one that we can all get behind, so I urge Members to support our amendment.

623 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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