Businesses 'affected by media coverage of flooding'

The Irish Red Cross has said it has paid out almost €500,000 to flood hit businesses that were unable to obtain insurance.

Reps from the Insurance sector are due to meet with the Government next week to discuss assisting homeowners who didn't have cover.

A hardship programme will also be implemented for farmers who have been the worst affected.

Meanwhile, business owners in the worst affected areas are worried that media coverage of the flooding will mean a drop in sales.

Timmy Donovan from Seán's Bar in Athlone town centre has said the publicity is in danger of driving away customers: “In the week unfortunately a lot of places have become badly flooded and a lot of homes have been evacuated.

“but this is mainly the low lining areas surrounding the river, but because of the media attention Athlone has been getting lately, people think it is six foot under water with the only access by tractor or boat and that is not the case.

“A lot of shops and businesses have been badly affected over the Christmas period but Athlone is open for business.”