Dramatic CCTV images of floodwaters sweeping through Clonakilty, Co Cork, were viewed yesterday by Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Brian Hayes, who toured affected premises before addressing the concerns of up to 100 locals at a meeting.
The footage shows the town’s main thoroughfare clear of floodwaters at 4.02am. Five minutes later a torrent of outflow from the river Feale’s burst banks had swept 2ft-high floodwaters down Pearse Street.
“The footage shows the water filling the street so fast it would have passed a pedestrian out 10 times. It’s frightening to think how fast it came. If it was during the day there could have been lives lost,” shop owner Dena O’Donovan said.
Townspeople are keen to see flood protection measures implemented as they face crippling costs to replace stock.
Mr Hayes said he was in discussions with the Insurance Federation of Ireland on behalf of those affected. He “was not in a position” to announce plans to release emergency funding yesterday, but pledged to support efforts for structural projects in the locality.
A website dedicated to flood relief has been set up by the local favour exchange group at clonflood.com.