Joymount sub-station attack cost £5000

Details were revealed in a presentation by representatives of NIE to the most recent meeting of the Chief Executive’s Office.

They outlined the NIE response to events on the night of 1 March when supply to 3,000 customers was affected with all but 60 restored within two hours.

As the Carrick Times reported at the time, the alarm was raised at 8.20pm when the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and PSNI officers were called to the scene. NIE teams also responded immediately to make the area safe.

The incident, councillors heard, underlined the dangers of tampering with electricity equipment with attention drawn to ‘Be Safe Campaign’ with local schools.

In reply to Alderman Jim Brown, the NIE delegation described the more modern version of the sub-station which has been installed.

However, in relation to a programme to replace older units, he was advised that the number would be determined by the Competition Commission.

Alderman Brown also spoke of difficulties he had experienced with the dedicated line for elected members, which he felt required improvement.

However, Councillor David Hilditch and the Mayor, Alderman Billy Ashe, thanked the company for the impressive service received with accurate information they had been able to pass on to customers together with regular updates.

The meeting was also informed of the impact of heavy snowstorms later the same month.

Over the period 22 to 25 March 150,000 customers were affected with 1,400 network faults. The Ballyclare district, including Carrickfergus, was one of the worst impacted areas.

Meanwhile, with the summer holidays here Margaret Gallagher, safety officer at Northern Ireland Electricity, has issued a reminder to young people to have fun and to put safety first when they are playing outside.

She says: “The electricity network is all around us and it is safe when left alone, but can be potentially fatal when tampered with. You only get one chance with electricity – make sure you know the potential dangers and stay a safe distance away when working or playing near electricity equipment.”

“During the summer months children generally play outside and we would urge them to be aware of their surroundings. People can be seriously injured or killed by coming into contact with overhead electricity lines and equipment while fishing, climbing trees or flying kites and model aeroplanes.”