Midleton aftermath: 'We have everything in abundance, except Government support'

The town's traders have been overwhelmed by the support of the public in the aftermath of Storm Babet but say they are facing an uphill battle accessing the financial supports put in place by the Government

Barbara McGrath Hurley, owner of Denbar Jewellers: 'Those few days after the floods really highlighted the kindness of the locals.' Picture: Denis Minihane

Two months after severe flooding devastated Midleton, shoppers and businesses have returned with a boom despite all obstacles, giving local traders a much-needed boost in the run-up to Christmas. 

The aftermath of Storm Babet saw several main street premises destroyed, alongside dozens of residential areas.

However, once the dust settled, businesses were overwhelmed by a community united in shock coming together to support those most impacted. 

"The reception I got was just unbelievable," says Rachel McCarthy of Ina McCarthy Flowers. 

Rachel McCarthy of Ina McCarthy Flowers: 'The reception I got was just unbelievable.' Picture: Dan Linehan

"Not only were school kids and locals racing to help us, but the support we received once we re-opened was unimaginable. 

People were buying €40 bouquets, giving us €60 and telling us to keep the change.

Barbara Hurley of Denbar Jewelers recalls a similar experience. On October 18, just after a month's worth of rain hit the town in 24 hours, Ms Hurley met primary students from the age of 10 offering a helping hand to struggling traders.

"It was phenomenal," she says. "Those few days after the floods really highlighted the kindness of the locals. I didn't buy lunch for a week and a half — people kept bringing me things."

In her 23 years of business, she said she never thought she could pick up from where she left off after such a tragedy, attributing her success to a committed customer base who kept footfall strong in the aftermath of Storm Babet. 

"It was definitely quiet for the first few days," said Ms Hurley. "We didn't even have a bank at that stage. People had no reason to be there."

Ann O'Driscoll of L’Atelier Stylist & Boutique in Midleton agrees, adding while she initially saw a drastic drop in footfall, the community, along with travelling shoppers, have since kept the town alive through its support for local traders.

Ann O' Driscoll, owner of L’Atelier Stylist & Boutique in Midleton.

"We have everything in abundance," said Ms Hurley. "All we need now is Government support."

After biblical rainfall, Denbar Jewellers, which was founded by Ms Hurley and her sister in 2000, was destroyed. Beech units showcasing jewellery sat for up to 11 hours in water. 

Two months on, Ms Hurley still uses a dehumidifier every day to draw excess moisture out of the store. 

After Christmas, she has plans for a complete refurbishment, which she says despite Government promises, will still be paid for out of her own pocket.  

"I had flood insurance, and thankfully, I had no problem getting paid. But it is simply not enough. It is a huge financial commitment, and my insurance is not enough to cover the damage."

After Storm Babet, the Government opened two emergency business flooding schemes for local organisations unable to secure flood insurance — the Emergency Business Flooding Scheme and the Enhanced Emergency Business Flooding Scheme. 

While up to €100,000 is available through these funds, only businesses who cannot get insurance are eligible.

As Ms Hurley explained: "We're not allowed to access the Red Cross funding."

"If a unit costs €50,000 to repair, but a trader has €15,000 coming from insurance, they only need €35,000 from the Government, but they won't give it to you." 

"This is the same Government that is telling us that they will give €50,000 if you need €50,000 — but if you already have €15,000, we are not giving you anything. It doesn't make sense."

We also do not have any short-term protection against the river. We may not get a flood relief scheme until 2029, yet I must pay out of pocket despite having no certainty that my shop will not flood again.

For businesses that do have insurance, many have faced uphill battles claiming on their policies, with some saying insurers are treating them with "absolute disdain". 

"I had flood cover, and I was penalised and discriminated against for it," said Ms Hurley. "The Government told us they would help, they need to stick to their word."

Flooding on Main Street, Midleton. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson for the Department of Finance said: "Preventing flooding is the best approach to reducing flood risk and increasing flood insurance capacity. Accordingly, €1.3bn has been committed to flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030."

The department added the Government had "reiterated the need for insurance providers to take a reasonable approach to the provision of cover where properties are proven to be in areas protected by flood defences". 

It also noted that individual policyholders who were dissatisfied "should engage with the internal resolution processes and where such policyholders remain dissatisfied, they may contact the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman."

A spokesperson for Cork County Council told the Irish Examiner in addition to the two flooding schemes — which Ms Hurley says she is not eligible for — impacted businesses can avail of "low-cost loans from Microfinance Ireland" and borrow to "fund the refurbishment of premises or the replacement of equipment".

"What the floods took is nothing compared to what the community has given," says Ms Hurley. "But what we need now is for the Government to play their part."