Extreme weather warning: Council fears it won’t be reimbursed for ‘Beast from the East’ repairs

As the ‘Beast from the East’ fast approaches, Cork County Council is not only preparing for polar conditions but is also worried about the cost as the Government does not properly reimburse it for the damage such weather events can cause.

Despite various ministers saying the Government will fund the costs of damage and clean-ups, figures show the local authority is more than €6.5m out of pocket for flooding and storms which have struck the region since 2012.

Council bosses provided figures after they were asked by councillor Des O’Grady exactly what was billed for damage and what the government provided.