Disruption To Electricity Supply In Parliament Buildings
To all users of Parliament Buildings
As you may be aware, the exceptional weather event that took place last Wednesday night caused flash flooding throughout the Greater Belfast area. This has also affected the Stormont Estate, and in the early hours of Thursday morning the electricity supply to the Stormont Estate was flooded.
Every effort is being made by staff in the Department of Finance and Personnel, working with NIE to resolve the resulting disruption to the supply of electricity to buildings on the estate. However, even to make an assessment of the problem required the removal of thousands of gallons of water. In summary, it is unclear when a full electricity supply will be restored to Parliament Buildings.
We are however able to work off an emergency generator, and the priority will be to deliver the core plenary business of the Assembly on Monday and Tuesday, and to prepare for those Committees scheduled to meet next week. Therefore a decision has been made to provide reduced services as follows:
- A restricted IT service (i.e. PC and printer) will be made available to Ministerial Offices, political party support staff (on a very limited basis) and key Assembly Secretariat Offices only. Mobile devices (including iPads etc.) can of course be used as normal, but should be fully charged before departing for Parliament Buildings. Guest access can be provided to access the Assembly Wi-Fi network.
- We may also have to consider additional measures to control usage of electricity.
- A restricted canteen service will be made available, with the key restriction being a limited hot food service in the Blue Flax Restaurant only.
- A limited lift service will be operational.
It is highly likely that there will be a reduction in the provision of services and it is a changing situation. Your full cooperation and support is appreciated at this time.
Trevor Reaney
Clerk/Director General
