ESB faces ‘hundreds’ of claims over Cork floods

The ESB could face hundreds of compensation claims from residents after a court ruled it was liable for damage caused to buildings in University College Cork following record floods that engulfed Cork City five years ago.

In the case brought by UCC, Mr Justice Max Barrett found the ESB, as dam operator, was 60% liable, with UCC liable for 40% of the damage after a finding of contributory negligence on its part.

A solicitor representing approximately 40 Cork City residents whose homes were badly damaged by the flood waters said the ESB and possibly the two Cork local authorities could be the subject of legal actions. Joe Noonan said some of his clients had already lodged legal papers, while others who had been awaiting the verdict in the UCC vs ESB case would now follow suit.