Report: Floods were once in 650 years event

THE floods that swamped parts of Co Limerick last month were a once in a 650-year occurrence.

A report commissioned by Limerick County Council recommends structural inspections need to be carried out on the main bridge and riverside building in Newcastle West, where it is estimated that more than 200 homes and business premises were damaged by the flood waters.

The Severity and Impact report, compiled by JBA Consulting, said that the saturated River Arra catchment areas were unable to absorb the rain and a deluge of water ran off into Newcastle West and other areas.