Future of two Midleton boutiques in jeopardy as flood damage could cost owners up to €75,000
Damian and Laragh O'Brien of Fox & Co Menswear during the clean-up operation of their premises as a result of the flooding in Midleton Co Cork. Picture: David Keane.
A Cork couple who run two popular clothing stores in Midleton have been left devastated after flooding brought on by Storm Babet earlier this week, wrecked havoc on their businesses.
Damian O'Brien and his wife Laragh, who own Flamingo ladieswear and Fox and Co menswear in the heart of the Cork town, believe that the flood damage they incurred may cost them up to €75,000.
The couple estimate that 25% of their stock has been lost, and now, the future of both boutiques remains to be seen.
Speaking to the , Mr O' Brien said both shops were inundated with over two-and-a-half feet of water by 2:30pm on Wednesday.
"We lost the flooring, and fixtures and fittings had to be skipped and removed.
"Our stock levels are also at their highest this time of year as we're coming into our busiest season, but now, we will be paying for stock that we can't even sell.
"That includes paying wages, not being open for a number of weeks, refitting the shops, and restocking. It’s a major impact financially for us," he said.
Mr O'Brien and his wife employ seven staff members and "we have to make sure that they are paid, they have bills to pay themselves."
"We’ll probably have to dig into personal funds to try keep things afloat," he said.
Mr O'Brien was aware of Met Éireann's status orange rain alert which came into effect on Tuesday, however he was shocked that "no specific warning was given for the town of Midleton."
He also could not believe that local authorities weren't more hands on in preparing businesses for the worst.
"What staggered me was that reports from county engineers and the authorities said they were “well prepared”, and that they were working on this for four days.
"As an owner of two businesses, we received no notification.
"I have spoken to adjacent businesses, one or two who are members of the local chamber, and they got an email on the day to tell them that they should consider evacuating or closing their premises.
"But an email on the day when you’re already opened? These are people like butchers, who aren’t reading their emails when they’re selling in their shops.
Mr O'Brien estimates that it could take a minimum of three weeks before he gets his shops back up and running, but is worried about the festive season ahead.
"If we’re not open by the third week in November, we might as well not open this side of Christmas because that’s our busiest period.
"On a normal week in the country right now, trying to get tradespeople and trying to get things at a reasonable price is not easy, and that worries me.
"There is competition for tradespeople, and that might be a more determining factor on when we can get back open," he said.
Whilst Mr O'Brien is trying to remain positive about the situation, he is concerned about the future, and future flooding.
"I can see already that reality is settling in, and we’re not out of the woods yet.
"We’ve had more rain today, and there’s more forecast over the weekend.
"There's a risk that the river could burst its banks again, and people are going to tire very quickly.
"Adrenaline kept us going initially, but it’s hard to keep that up.
Do we put a lot of effort into refurbishing these shops when the town is prone to flooding and we won’t get insurance," he concluded.
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
