'I was flooded three times — I can't do a fourth': Midleton businesses facing struggle for survival

Premises have reopened but owners face costs and lack of insurance, while fears the town may be hit again mean they are 'constantly on alert'

Eleanor Dunlea's Lollipop Kids footwear in Midleton reopened after floods. Picture: Larry Cummins

"I was flooded three times — I can't do a fourth.”  So says Eleanor Dunlea, owner of Lollipop Kids in Midleton. She is one of the many business owners in the East Cork town whose premises were virtually destroyed by Storm Babet's devastating floods last October. 

She, like many others in the town, has reopened but is still battling with clean-up costs, lack of insurance cover — and the fear that the town may be hit again.