TDs lobby for funds to help victims of floods

TDs are to fight for Government compensation for victims of flooding in Cork, so payments to hardship cases can be made by the Irish Red Cross in the same way as to other victims in Athlone, Dublin and Meath.

Government deputies Noel O’Flynn, Dan Wallace and Billy Kelleher said they would be lobbying to have further funds released by the Office of Public Works, especially in relation to those living in Blackpool, some of whom are uninsured and have lost possessions worth thousands of euros.

City Manager Joe Gavin said he would offer the TDs as much help as he could in compiling information to make a compelling case.

“Flooding hasn’t been as bad in Blackpool for 40 years. It was caused by a combination of high tides and heavy rain,” Mr Gavin said.

Blackpool bore the brunt of the 41mm of rain which fell between 6pm on Wednesday and 6am on Thursday. In one hour, between midnight and 1am, an incredible 18mm of rain fell on the city.

Christine Coade, who lives in Great William O’Brien Street, said residents were compiling a list of damages.

“Some people were literally washed out of their homes. It was like a tidal wave. We are trying to get a package similar to the one Bertie Ahern gave to the people of Dublin,” Mrs Coade said.

Although some areas of Togher were flooded, especially Greenhills Estate, Cork County Council said it wouldn’t be seeking special funding as the damage inflicted was minor compared to Blackpool.

The Office of Public Works said if Cork City Council made a case for hardship payments it would be considered favourably.

Meanwhile, insurance companies are bracing themselves for multi-million euro claims.