Few School Flood Closures 'Bonus'

Just 11 schools and nursery schools have been unable to begin the new term today as burst pipes and other problems caused by the prolonged freezing spell of weather has added to NI's post big-freeze woes.

However, the 'bad news' is better than expected as hundreds of schools were anticipated to be on the closure list, as the flooding damage was initially being assessed.

There were still almost 160 homes without running water this afternoon as NI Water and the Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy came in for further criticism over their response to the ongoing crisis as thousands more homes were also expected to have their water supplies restricted as well.

Last night, NI Water said their focus was on the repair of bursts on the main water supply system, which is impacting on reservoir levels and dealing with air locks in the system.

While that is better news, an East Belfast DUP MLA has said the ongoing water crisis has done untold harm to Northern Ireland's image within the UK and across the whole of Europe with tourists and investors alike.

Commenting as the flood damage received coverage across then UK and in Spain and other parts of Europe, he said: "The wide press coverage given to the water fiasco has harmed our image as a progressive small country throughout Europe.

"As we try to regain tourism figures lost due to IRA terrorism the media coverage of people queuing for water paints a very poor picture.

"Given the already difficult economic climate the Northern Ireland Tourist Board now have an already complex task made even more difficult," said the Stormont Junior Minister.

"The impression of a water structure practically collapsing following a relatively short period of Arctic like conditions catches the attention of successful global investors only in a negative fashion.

"An efficient effective and holistic infrastructure is one of the key features in bring investors and while getting over the current crisis is the main concern, ensuring we learn the lessons of this calamity and are able to handle any future emergencies in a more efficient and controlled manner must be embarked on as a priority," he said.

Another Belfast politician has gone further and accused

NI Water of giving false information.

East Belfast MLA Sir Reg Empey claimed large parts of his constituency were without supplies "despite assurances" that there would be no more rotations.

"Yet again false information has been put out by the company and thousands of people have been inconvenienced as a result," said Mr Empey.

"People fully understand that there is an emergency and can cope if they are given accurate information, but despite all the words from Minister Murphy and the company, the problems continue.

"If the authorities can't give accurate information they should shut up until they can," he added.

(BMcC/GK)