Damage bill could be tens of millions

THE final bill from the storms that lashed the country over the last two days could run into tens of millions of euros.

Traders and householders spent most of yesterday picking up the pieces as heavy rain and gale force winds caused extensive flood damage.

Traders in Waterford estimate the flood damage could run into tens of thousands of euros.

Efforts were underway to save old records and archival material destroyed by extensive flooding in Dungarvan, when water poured into the basement of a local authority building. Staff were trying to dry out, separate and freeze old documents damaged by the water. The main motor tax office was badly flooded, with damage to electrical equipment, carpets and computers.

Concerns remained yesterday for the safety of property in the Abbeyside area, after part of a seawall was breached by swollen tides.

“There’s a lot of new houses in the area, engineers are examining the damage today after part of the railway line running along the wall was badly damaged,” Dungarvan’s chief fire officer Tony McCarthy said.

The fire chief said three inches of water had caused thousands of euros worth of damage to commercial and residential property in the town, with the fire service responding to nearly 40 calls for assistance.

The coast road remained closed off yesterday after a sea wall at Bunmahon collapsed, swamping a nearby caravan park in floodwater.

In Waterford city, meanwhile, many businesses on the quayfront escaped with minor flood damage. However, Waterford City Council was assessing more severe damage at a number of business premises.

Householders in the Johnstown and Poleberry areas were worst affected, but no serious damage was caused. Surface water remained on the Tramore road yesterday, but gardaí reported no major problems.

The North End of Wexford was devastated by the most severe flooding ever seen in the area.

Shops and businesses on Redmond Square and on the Quayfront were badly damaged as flood water made the centre of the town impassible.

Martin Fusciardi-Wallace owner of Fusciardi’s Restaurant estimated his loss at over €100,000 while Sam McCauley’s Chemists, which has just undergone an expensive refit was also badly hit by the flood waters, as was Shaw’s Department Store, reopened after a major refurbishment.