Sinéad McLaughlin hails investment in electricity infrastructure in Derry as a bright spark for the city

That's according to SDLP Sinéad McLaughlin, who said it was a positive development for the northern suburb of the city.

"I very much welcome the commitment by NIE Networks to strengthen and upgrade the electricity network in the Culmore area of Derry. It hopes to complete the work in the next six weeks. NIE Networks will reconfigure part of the electricity network in the Culmore area, replacing an overhead conductor," she said.

The MLA said the commitment follows a series of meetings and correspondence she exchanged with NIE Networks and the systems operator SONI.

"I wish to thank both organisations for putting in place plans that I hope will resolve the spate of electricity outages that have hit the city and region in recent weeks, which have particularly affected the Culmore area.

"Investment in the electricity infrastructure is particularly important as we move increasingly towards reliance on renewable energy sources, ending our dependence on fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas. Renewables can play a key role in strengthening our economy in the North West, given our climate and geography, which can provide vital opportunities for related employment," she said.