Agency to pay almost €5m over flood damage

THE Red Cross is preparing to pay out almost €5m to people who claimed special compensation after flooding last November.

Spokeswoman Amy Pearson said the organisation would start sending out cheques to victims before the end of this month and should complete the task by early February.

"Independent assessors have been to see the damage. Most claims average €7,000-9,000," Ms Pearson said.