Clean-up operation continues after floods
Towns and communities across the country were today counting the cost of the clean-up operation after being devastated by some of the worst floods in living memory.
While forecasters warned some areas will be hit with four-hour downpours today, homeowners and businesses were hoping waters would show some sign of receding.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said providing shelter and safe drinking water for victims of the flood in Connacht and Munster was a priority for the Government.
Meanwhile Environment Minister John Gormley travelled to Cork to see first-hand the damage caused by the unprecedented flooding when the River Lee burst its banks.
“These are some of the worst floods we have seen in many parts of the country in living memory and our priority must be to help those people whose lives and livelihoods have been so badly hit by these events,” he said.
Hundreds of people have been evacuated in Galway, Ennis and Cork, where at least 18,000 homes were left without water.
Met Eireann said residents can expect heavy rains and gales during the day, while Cork City Council warned the high tide was due between 7am and 9am.
“It is possible that flooding may occur in the low-lying areas of the city centre. Steps should, therefore, be taken to protect property,” said a spokeswoman.
About 175 troops in 24 off road trucks and four flat bottomed boats were deployed in Cork City, Bantry, Clonakilty, Clonmel, Ennis, Ballinasloe and Carlow and stacked more than 10,000 sandbags.
A further 300 personnel and the Air Corps will remain on standby throughout the weekend.
An Army spokesman said the critical point in Cork was the 300-bed Mercy Hospital, where staff and patients were ferried in and out by boat.
Angry business people hit out at the ESB after a dam on the River Lee was opened piling pressure on Cork city’s strained flood defences.
Locals claimed the ESB issued inadequate warnings before huge volumes of water were released through Inniscarra and Carridadrohid dams.
But the ESB said it gave authorities plenty of notice about the growing risk of severe floods.
Foreign Affairs Minister and Cork TD Micheal Martin said it is important to check on elderly neighbours and ensure they are safe, comfortable and have proper supplies.
Elsewhere gardaí advised motorists not to make any unnecessary journeys.
Shannon Bridge in Limerick was closed after a 100-foot steel Christmas tree, due to be lit last night, came loose from its moorings and collided with the Shannon Bridge.
And while a 26km section of the new M6 motorway in Galway was opened to ease congestion, other roads in the county remain under water.
In Ballinasloe about 200 people were evacuated as the Suck burst its banks, another 150 homes had their electricity supply disconnected for safety and residents were warned to boil all drinking water.
Ennis town was also hit by unprecedented floods with over 40 houses were evacuated.
A council spokesman warned tidal conditions continue to pose a flooding threat.
Mr Gormley said he will also visit other affected regions before he reports back to a meeting of the Emergency Task Force, which will be chaired by the Taoiseach, later today.
A Government spokeswoman added: “Given that the weather forecast indicates that the difficulties will continue for some time yet, the Taoiseach also assured everyone that the emergency response will continue for as long as necessary.”
