Adding to the statement by Minister for the Economy, Diane Dodds MLA, on the “abuse of telecoms engineers doing their jobs”, “criminal damage and intimidation”, “at a time when the importance of telecommunications has never been so prominent”, Cllr Frances Burton, President of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) said:
NILGA President Cllr Frances Burton
"Telecoms is an essential service, now more than ever. NILGA acknowledges the diligent service provided 24/7 by telecoms workers, who are keeping the vulnerable and wider society connected. In terms of emergency and essential services, particularly NHS, key businesses, government, councils, community staff and volunteers, we simply cannot do such jobs - thereby helping every one of us - without connectivity.”
“Acts of arson and the intimidation of engineers are despicable and must stop in the interests of the community they are trying to serve right now. Such actions will lead to serious disruptions if telecoms staff and operating masts are targeted now and in the coming weeks. Longer term, they will lead to criminal prosecutions for the perpetrators.”
“I hope that treatment for the very sick, and wellbeing contact for those living alone, will come to the minds of those involved and that they stop these attacks immediately."