Last Friday's floods could result in the closure of a Dublin business park which is home to some 100 small businesses.
The Crosbie Business Centre, on Ossory Road in East Wall, was badly damaged when the quays flooded and a wall collapsed. Water flooded the buildings to a depth of four foot.
The owner of the centre, Mr Harry Crosbie, said he could not say if it could reopen until he heard from insurance representatives. "We don't know if it could happen again. If we can't get insurance, we will have to close. It's an awful pity."
Tenants estimated that the cost of the flood damage could run into millions of euros. Many businesses have now lost a week of trading due to damaged stock, no telephone lines and only an emergency electricity supply.
Ms Lorraine Byrne, who runs Oceanic Business Services, said about 70 per cent of businesses were affected. Some could be forced to close. Her business, which offers a virtual office service, was being greatly hampered by the lack of telephone lines.
"It broke my heart to throw out new equipment in the skip," she said. "I can't believe what's happened."
Ms Lisa Little, who runs a coffee shop in the centre, said her business had been ruined. "Everything is totally destroyed. I rely on the businesses here so if there is no centre, what will I do? It hasn't sunk in yet."
Ms Vanessa Hetherington estimated that €190,460 (£150,000) worth of equipment had been damaged in her printing and folding company. She said a further €50,790 (£40,000) worth of stock was lost.
It would cost Mr Alan O'Donohoe up to € 88,880 (£70,000) to replace his damaged stock. He runs a promotional brochures and leaflets company. "But that's a petty figure compared to other people. I've heard figures of £300,000, £700,000 and even £1 million for some people".
While the business people sympathised with householders whose homes had been flood damaged, he said the flooding of businesses had wider implications. "There's about 1,200 people employed here, many from the area. This has long-term consequences."
At noon today, tenants are meeting insurance representatives and Mr Crosbie to discuss the centre's future.
