Brexit has not fuelled crisis call

New appeal to civil servants for volunteer roles

THE Government has denied any link between Brexit and its appeal for civil servants to oversee fuel rationing in a crisis.

The Department for the Economy has responsibility for Northern Ireland’s fuel provision and is expected to act in the event of a petrol and diesel shortage.

But it has not used these powers since 1974, when an Ulster Workers Council strike toppled Stormont.

The Newsletter reported a memo to officials has outlined how Dfe’s fuel crisis system will work. It said it included plans to post staff at 75 Northern Ireland stations 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 it warned the request for volunteers “does not suggest any problems are imminent, or anticipated”.

A spokesman 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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