No warning for Blackpool businesses

Lord Mayor John Buttimer has expressed concerns for the future of Blackpool, where many homes and businesses can no longer get insurance due to frequent flooding.

“The Dept of Environment, Community and Local Government is identifying new flood plains. New areas are going to be included so there is a need for a review of insurance policy," he said.

“The State needs to get involved in the provision of insurance for property owners that cannot get insurance. We need to get the State to collect insurance for areas that cannot get insurance otherwise,” Cllr Buttimer told the Cork Independent.

Work goes on

Blackpool has been cleared of mud and debris but much work goes on behind closed doors. Some businesses in Blackpool like the Centra shop remain closed but most businesses are open.

Blackpool village previously suffered very extensive flooding twice in 2001. Flood defences in Blackpool had been improved on a number of occasions since then but could not cope with the volume of water last week, flooding some businesses in the bridge area.

'Frightening'

Bill Dunlea from The Coffee Pot in Blackpool village has not been able to get insurance since he was flooded twice in 2001. “This is frightening. No one can get insurance here.

“This time there was no room in the culvert for more water, it was full. It was the pure volume of water that caused the flooding,” he said.

Bill is also the Chairman of Blackpool Community Centre. “Lots of people are coming to give a hand here – there’s great community spirit here,” he said. “There has been a fantastic response this morning.”

He also said that after the last floods the traders put a strategy in place. Every trader’s number was taken and given to the guards, who were to ring the traders in the event of an emergency. This never happened.

“There was no phone call and no warning,” he said.

“People couldn’t get out their doors on Great William Street. They also lost furniture. Something could have been done if people were warned. People have lost their cars.

“The damage has been done now. There was four of feet of water in Centra. Blackpool Church is flooded and won’t be opened for two weeks. Mass will take place in Blackpool Community Centre instead,” he added.

Cllr Buttimer said that there would be a preliminary report on the flooding issued to councillors tonight [Thursday]. The flooding will be discussed at Monday’s council meeting at City Hall. He issued an invitation to members of the public to attend.