Flood victims count cost

Residents and businesses around Cork are waking this morning to count the cost of the devastating floods that hit the city and county on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

While there was rain last night, there was not the same volume as that experienced on Wednesday night, which left hundreds of businesses and homes around Cork destroyed.

The Cork City Flood Assessment Team monitored weather and river levels throughout yesterday and deemed the forthcoming rain “not to be of sufficient levels to cause further flooding. In addition, predicted tidal levels should not give rise for concern.”

Cork North Central TD, Dara Murphy, said last night on RTÉ’s Primetime that he expected the cabinet to meet next week and confirm emergency funds in light of the devastating impact the floods have wrought on city and county.

Lord Mayor John Buttimer praised the emergency response by Cork City Council, despite some locals expressing frustration with communication from the authorities.

“I would like to express my solidarity with the residents of areas affected and understand the anger that they expressed about the damage caused to their homes and businesses,” said Lord Mayor Buttimer.

“Residents and business people also expressed concern about the lack of information from local authorities prior and subsequent to the flooding. A clear communication strategy for emergency situations like sudden flooding is needed. A communication strategy incorporating text messaging and the use of social media could successfully deliver critical information directly to those affected in a timely manner. I will request that Council considers developing such a system.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Emmet O’Halloran already has a motion similar to this call submitted to Council for their next meeting.

Meanwhile, Cork County Council has arranged skips to be placed in the areas affected by the flood waters. These areas are Douglas Community Park, Lions Club Car Park and Greenwood Estate Togher.

Skips will also be provided in Hazelwood Shopping Centre in Glanmire, Glanmire Library and Meadow Brook estate in Glanmire.

The County is also accepting flood-damaged materials from the public at the Raffeen (covering the Glanmire area) Rossmore and Clonakilty Amenity Sites free of charge. 

People who are looking to use Douglas Post Office for social welfare are being advised to go to Blackrock Post office next to Supervalu on Church Road, just for today. 

A joint emergency response number 021-4208000  in operation for members of the public to cover both Cork County and Cork City. The emergency out of hours number is 021 4966512.