Storm Éowyn clear-up operation continues

The Department of Infrastructure has said that the clear up operation continues

The clear-up operation on the Isle of Man is continuing, amid fresh reports of damage caused by Storm Éowyn, the Department of Infrastructure has confirmed.

The storm saw winds of 81mph (130km/h) recorded at the airport on 24 January - the highest speeds recorded for 20 years.

The Department of Infrastructure (DoI) said a number of scheduled works have been put on hold, in order to prioritise clearing the aftermath of the storm.

The department responded to 144 weather-related incidents throughout the day of the storm, including fallen trees, flooding, debris on roads and damage to buildings.

Work to resolve those incidents continued across the weekend and into the following week, with a further 40 reports logged on Saturday and Sunday, including fallen and destabilised trees, and damage to properties.

A red weather warning was in place for seven hours during the peak of the storm

DoI had initially focused on obstacles and damage to arterial routes, including removing fallen branches, sweeping roads and gully clearing, but efforts have since expanded to other routes, including repairing local roads and footpaths.

However, the department stated it was likely some public rights of way would remain impassable for several more days due to fallen trees.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) has confirmed Conrhenny, Ballaugh, Chibbanagh, Colden, Cringle and Skyhill plantations have all re-opened.

South Barrule, Tholt-y-Will and Axnfell are open with restricted access, and Archallagen and Kerroodhoo remain closed.

Other plantations require further checks, and Defa has stressed, even where plantations are open with the main forest roads clear, "caution must still be exercised" due to leaning and hung-up trees across "most venues".

Waymarked Mountain Bike Trails remain closed until further notice, the department added.