Flood victims tot up damage to property

MOPPING up operations continued over the weekend as residents began totting up the damage to property caused by severe flooding which struck low-lying areas in parts of Dublin, Meath and Kildare.

Dublin City Council estimates it would cost "hundreds of millions of euro" to implement measures to eliminate the flooding. City engineer Michael Phillips has confirmed a review of drainage systems in Dublin and surrounding counties is underway to help prevent the type of flooding experienced in recent days.

Labour environment spokesman Eamon Gilmore believes the failure to maintain surface water drains as local authorities don't have the funds was a major factor in the widespread flooding.

"There are planning issues involved in regard to the location of some major housing developments, particularly in Kildare and Meath," he said.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's northside constituency was the worst affected in the capital, his home base in Drumcondra bearing the brunt after the river Tolka burst its banks late on Thursday night, submerging hundreds of homes in several feet of water.

Dublin City Council and the Red Cross are continuing to provide emergency assistance, including accommodation where necessary.

A spokesperson for the council said many people were expressing concern about insurance claims and how they might be compensated for the extensive damage to their houses, furniture and fittings.

Many homeowners were not insured because of previous flooding.

However, the Government has promised compensation will be made available to the victims. The Irish Insurance Federation is seeking a meeting with Minister of State Tom Parlon to discuss the establishment of a special national flood defence agency.

Mr Parlon has said compensation would be made available to some victims, with the Irish Red Cross Society administering it.

The community welfare services of the Northern Area Health Board is available to help people in finding accommodation due to the Dublin flooding. The services can be contacted at 01 855 4136 and 01-855 2747.

Flood victims may apply for humanitarian aid using a special application form and posting it to the Irish Red Cross Flood Relief Scheme, 16 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Details from freephone 1800 92 34 24 and www.redcross.ie