Residents demand public inquiry into Cork floods
Exactly 11 months after the flood which caused an estimated €100 million of damage, residents of some of the worst effected areas united to tell the Government that they will continue their campaign for answers, despite being “fobbed off”.
They also criticised both state and local authorities for failing to repair damaged quay walls and for failing to deliver flood defences or develop an early warning system.
“We have no interest in apportioning blame,” said residents spokesman Barry Keane. “But it is essential that we get answers because there are vast areas of the city that can’t get insurance.
“We are talking about places that are less than a mile from the commercial centre of Cork city.
“The Dáil is less than a mile from Dublin city centre. If this had happened in Dublin, it would be sorted by now.”
He was speaking at a public meeting attended by around 60 people, many from the Middle Parish area of the city centre, as well as some from Inniscarra, one of the first areas hit by the flood last year.
Accountant Ciaran Baxter, who runs his business at Grenville Place close to where the flood breached the quay walls, branded a “disgrace” the delays to the quay wall repairs.
Sand bags were delivered there on November 20. “The bags have rotted and there are now mounds of sands with weeds growing on them. That sums up the state’s concern for us.
“I am extremely angry and frustrated,” he said.
Middle Parish resident Greg Franklin said his home insurance premium has been trebled but he can’t get flood cover.
Inniscarra resident Judy Kelly’s home was swamped last November. She said she can’t get insurance and if her home floods again she will be homeless.
Western Road B&B owner Aideen Cronin said her home insurance has soared by 60%.
“If we flood again, we’re homeless, unemployed and up to our necks in debt.”
Long-time Mardyke resident Sally McGrath only returned to her home of 40 years just a few weeks ago.
“We lost everything. We felt like refugees.
“I want a public inquiry to prove this was a man-made disaster. We know what happened. We just want those responsible to admit it.”
Several residents are exploring legal avenues. It is understood their solicitor, Joe Noonan, who is acting for some 50 householders, is examining a report on the flood compiled by international consultants.
Mr Keane said those affected will up the political pressure to ensure they get the answers they want.
It is understood that flood victims are also planning a major event next month to mark the first anniversary of the flood.
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