Brexit not behind call for civil servants to oversee fuel rationing
A crisis would mean some vehicles would get 'priority' permits for fuel with these 41 locations set out
Shauna Corr
(Image: stock)
A Government department has denied any link between Brexit and its appeal for civil servants to oversee fuel rationing in the event of a crisis.
Department for the Economy has responsibility for Northern Ireland's fuel provision and would be expected to act in the event of a petrol and diesel shortage.
But they have not used these powers since 1974, when an Ulster Workers Council strike toppled Stormont.
The Newsletter reported that a memo to officials has outlined how DfE's fuel crisis system will work.
They said it included plans to post two government staff at 75 Northern Ireland petrol stations across Northern Ireland to make sure only people with 'priority' permits get fuel.
Proposals for 41 emergency fuel station locations have also been set out to service those "providing key functions" like healthcare.
But they warned workers that the request for volunteers "does not suggest that any problems are imminent, or anticipated".
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A Department for the Economy spokesperson said: "The Department for the Economy has policy responsibility for the NI energy sectors and for many years has worked closely with industry.
"This process is not new and is a routine exercise to bring the resource back to the required capacity.
"There has been considerable change in the NICS over the last couple of years with the restructuring of Government Departments and the Voluntary Exit Scheme.
"Therefore due to staff changes it was considered prudent to reissue the call for volunteers."
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Emergency supply locations:
Derry, Ballymena/Ballymoney, Bangor, Lisburn/Moira area, Limavady, Larne, Newtownards/peninsula, Dromore/Banbridge, Coleraine area, Carrickfergus, Downpatrick, Lurgan, Portadown, Craigavon, Ballycastle, Newtownabbey, Ballynahinch, Armagh/Markethill, North/east Antrim, Mallusk, Castlewellan, Newry area, Ballymoney, Greater Belfast, Newcastle, Templepatrick/Crumlin, Omagh, Draperstown, Dungannon, Irvinestown, Castlederg, Magherafelt, Ballygawley, Fermanagh west, Cookstown, Maghera, Augher, Sperrins, Dungiven, Lisnaskea, Strabane South, Co Derry, Enniskillen.
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