High cost at high tide as storm hits

STORM winds and heavy rain caused tens of millions of euro worth of damage as businesses and households were submerged in flood waters last night.

Cork city and county were the worst affected by the storms, which mainly hit the south and east of the country. There was also serious flooding in Waterford city and county and parts of Wexford.

The Office of Public Works last night ruled out making money available in compensation. The OPW said any money made available would be for "emergency purposes" only.