Devastating floods - Criticism of councils deserved

DIRE warnings that global warming will lead to devastating floods became a grim reality yesterday as homeowners and shopkeepers began mopping up damage costing millions of euro in Munster and Leinster.

Not surprisingly, local authorities have come in for criticism from angry traders and motorists as the waters receded and the task of cleaning up debris got underway along the south and east coasts from Cork to Youghal, Dungarvan, Waterford, New Ross, Wexford, and Arklow.

Across the country, thousands of homes were left without electricity and railway lines had to be closed, including the links between Wicklow and Greystones; Cork and Cobh; the Gorey commuter and Rosslare intercity services, and the Waterford to Kilkenny line.