Cork residents leave homes as fears grow after city flood warning
Some residents in the Middle Parish in Cork chose to leave their homes last night in fear that there would be a repeat of the events of November 19.
With flooding again forecast for this evening, people have decided to stay with friends and relatives, terrified that if they stay at home they could face scenes similar to last year when they woke up to find over a metre of water in their houses.
And in a bid to avoid the damage caused to vehicles 11 months ago, cars parked on Grattan Street and surrounding areas were also moved to higher ground on the north side of the city.
As some residents in the area have been refused insurance cover against the risk of flooding, any damage caused this time around would have to be met by the householders themselves.
Nearby Cornmarket Street has been put on high alert and Kyrl’s Quay was also closed this morning, due to the flooding last night and this morning.
Breda Scanlon, of the Middle Parish Residents Association, said residents do not feel safe.
“Even if we had some sandbags and metal flood barriers they would help a lot.
“Nothing has been done to help us and the older people are really scared,” she explained.
Ms Scanlon said a huge part of this fear was the fact the wall at Glenville Place, which collapsed during the last flood, has still not been repaired.
She said there was nothing now to prevent the water from the River Lee spilling out on to the streets around the Mercy Hospital and into homes and businesses.
“The big difference between now and last time is none of us have insurance this time to cover any damage caused by a flood,” she added.
The low-lying areas of the city have been put on flood alert due to a combination of a tidal surge and strong south easterly winds.
Cork City Council have urged householders and businesses to take precautionary measures to protect property. High tide is expected tonight at 7.23pm.
The following areas are affected: Sawmill Street, Cotter Street, Stable Lane, Union Quay, Morrison’s Quay, Corn Market Street, French’s Quay, Wandesford Quay, Oliver Plunkett Street, Lavit’s Quay, Kyrl’s Street and Kyrl’s Quay.
At the College of Commerce, pallets have been put down to help people cross the bridge from Morrison’s Island.
Donal Healy, of the Cork Business Association, said he was hopeful that the events of November 19 were a “one-off” and the city would not see a repeat of that disaster.
He added, however, it was disappointing that nothing had been done to protect the businesses which were affected last time.
He said it was sad to see some losing their insurance cover against the risk of flooding while others had seen their insurance costs increase significantly.
