‘I don’t ever remember floods like the ones we’ve had recently’

Joan O’Reilly was putting up floodgates in her house at Casement St in Clonakilty last night following news that Met Éireann had issued a severe weather alert.

“If it rains we’re all freaking out. It’s a constant headache. I’m losing sleep at night and so too are my neighbours,” she said.

On Jun 28 about 12in of water flooded the ground floor of her house. Her insurance company only settled two weeks ago and the repairs have yet to be finished.

“I stayed upstairs after that flood. It’s been hard going as we’ve had two more floods in the town since then, but luckily they didn’t affect my house.

“New floors are down and all the walls have been done, but I’m still waiting on a cooker, fridge, and dishwasher.”

Her brother Johnnie made her the floodgates she hopes will stem any future deluge.

“The last time it came through the back door and up through the shores,” she said.

However, the 58-year-old says flooding in Clonakilty has “gone beyond a joke” and something needs to be done fast to prevent more of the same.

“I’m living in Clonakilty all my life and I don’t ever remember floods like the ones we’ve been having recently.”