Group seeks legislation to force insurance cover for flood-prone areas

The group representing flood-ravaged communities has urged the Government to “grasp the nettle” and legislate in a bid to force the insurance industry to provide cover to flood-prone zones.

The Irish National Flood Forum, which is backing an outspoken flood campaigner standing for election in Cork South West on the issue, said insurance cover and flood defences will be a major election issue.

Forum spokesman, Jer Buckley, whose business in Blackpool in Cork City has been flooded several times, said the Government must tackle the industry.