Residents fleeing floods 'abandoned by officials'
Desperate residents forced to evacuate their flooded homes tonight claimed they have been abandoned by officials.
Homeowners in the aptly named Waterways development in Sallins, Co Kildare, maintain they were let down by their management company, the local council and the builders who have gone bust.
Water up to five feet deep flowed through their homes after unprecedented rainfall on Saturday night.
Marion and Gary Costello, who moved to the development three and a half years ago, said no-one will take responsibility.
“It’s a private company gone into receivership,” said Mrs Costello, a 30-year-old scientist.
“The property management company have some quantity surveyors down there, but no pumps, and Kildare County Council is saying the receiver is responsible.
“It’s just frustrating that no-one wants to help and get rid of the problem.”
About 50 people were rescued from their homes in boats, with some brought back during the day to collect possessions, which included a pet cat and goldfish.
The building firm behind the multi-million euro development, G&K Building, went bust earlier this year as Bank of Ireland moved in to chase debts totalling €20m.
KPMG was appointed as receiver by the bank, with Wyse management company left in charge of the site.
Residents said they have previously complained over the estate’s drainage system to Wyse and said they’ve been abandoned.
Kildare County Council said civil defence volunteers have worked around the clock to ensure residents were rescued and cared for.
“It’s private property and the premises is under the care of the management company so the management company has to answer its own questions, the first responsibility is with them,” added a spokesman.
Local Councillor Paddy MacNamara also said the council was doing everything in its power to help residents and called for Wyse to investigate the estate’s drainage system.
No-one from Wyse was available for comment, but it is understood the firm contacted the local council and said it is aware of its obligations and is assisting residents.
However, Anna Wajda, from Poland, who fled her home with her husband Lucas and 16-month-old daughter Antonina, said authorities could have been more prepared.
“Two or three weeks ago there were heavy rains and we saw the water coming up to the kerb the management companies were notified about the issue,” said the bank worker.
“We received some letters saying there will be some work done on the drainage system in the next few days however because there was such heavy rain I don’t think they were able to start the work on that.
“It’s definitely the fault of the flooded area and the drainage system because it didn’t pump out the water well.”
Kildare Civil Defence said the water was up to five foot high with attempts to pump it out making little difference.
While some evacuated residents were put up in a local GAA club, officer Trish McNeela revealed several stayed behind.
“They have no power at the moment and I don’t know what sort of heating they have,” she said.
“It’s cold for them so we’ll do a knock-around later on.”
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