Ferocity of floodwater captured on camera

Dramatic CCTV footage of floodwaters sweeping through Clonakilty show water rising to record levels of 2ft in less than five minutes.

The ferocity of the flow was captured on footage from O’Donovan’s Hotel and was powerful enough to put lives at risk, according to owner Dena O’Donovan.

“The flow comes down the street from the west and this footage shows it filling in the street so fast it would have passed a pedestrian out ten times. It’s frightening to think how fast it came. If it was during the day there could have been lives lost.”

The footage was viewed by Brian Hayes, minister with responsibility for the OPW, at a public meeting of flood-affected homeowners and businesses yesterday.

The meeting focused on preventative measures and the issue of insurance for firms facing crippling costs to replace equipment and stock, and to repair structural and interior damage.

“We lost two computers, a couple of fridges, and tore out all the carpets in the immediate aftermath. The lift was fine but that went over the weekend and now it needs replacing. We also have problems with the boiler. It’s only now and in the coming weeks that problems are starting to show and that’s our worry,” said Ms O’Donovan.

Local town councillor Humphrey Deegan (FG) said many businesses were essentially worthless without flood insurance. The town was now more exposed than ever, he said, with old walls swept away by the flood.

“People are utterly afraid of any storm forecasts and a repeat flash flood. We have the reports from 2009 stating what flood defence measures are needed, what’s required now is money.”

Fuchsia Footwear owner Kevin O’Regan said local businesses that had never been flooded before were now facing insurance problems that previously affected low-lying areas of the town, such as Rossa St and Connolly St.

“The prospect of running a business without insurance is daunting for many of us.

“Some of those already operating without cover since 2009 might not make it. I’ve no doubt there will be consequences for local business because of this which means more people on the dole queue,” he said.

His business is one of the few in Clonakilty that remained closed yesterday as interior works continue.

“It’s very hard to quantify the damage done but I’m sure it will run into €30 or €40m at least,” he said.

Mr Hayes said he was in talks with the Insurance Federation of Ireland on behalf of those affected. He “was not in a position” to announce plans to release funding yesterday.

“We need to find out extent of damage first. From the OPW’s perspective if there are applications for emergency funding from the town or county council we will look at the need to fast track them. These might be on a more minor scale but my concern is about the here and now and turning around such applications.”

TD Jim Daly (FG), who visited homes and businesses in Ballinascarthy yesterday, said the problem was not limited to Clonakilty alone.

“There are at least a dozen homes and businesses affected in Ballinascarthy, where flood waters rose up to 3ft,” he said.

He plans to press Phil Hogan, the environment minister, for an answer on flood relief funding for Clonakilty and nearby areas in the Dáil today.