NIE condemns vandalism of substation

Northern Ireland Electricity has condemned the ongoing vandalism to Ballyhenry Substation near Corrs Corner.

The substation, which is located in a greenfield site reserved by Invest NI, originally planned for use by Hualon, has been attacked a number of times during the last two months by vandals throwing stones at electricity equipment on the site. NIE say that this has resulted in damage to equipment installed in the high voltage substation.

Terry Waugh, NIE Customer Relations Manager for Glengormley, said these actions could have had fatal consequences for the vandals and other members of the public and has called for community support in tackling this problem.

“Vandalism to electricity equipment can cause death. Damage of this nature could have caused a loss of electricity supply to thousands of customers in the area. This is the third time our engineers have been called to the site and it is only a matter of time before large numbers of customers lost electricity supplies.

“It is impossible to make equipment completely resistant to determined acts of vandalism. The best remedy would be if the people involved can be persuaded to stop putting themselves at risk and their neighbours to great inconvenience. “

He asked all members of the local community to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious to NIE by calling 08457 643 643.

UUP Councillor Ivan Hunter, who visited the site this week, said that he was appalled at these repeated acts of vandalism.

“I wholeheartedly condemn this behaviour. These actions affect the whole community, especially those who are in a more vulnerable position and dependent upon electricity for their wellbeing.

“Vandals who maliciously damage or interfere with electricity equipment not only cause disruption to the power supply in their area – they also risk electrocution and put other members of the public in danger.”

(SP)