Some local businesses in Bantry in west Cork have been left “devastated” by flooding caused by heavy rainfall today, a councillor for the area has said.
Around 46mm of rain fell on the town over a 16-hour period between midnight and 4pm this afternoon, according to Met Éireann.
Parts of Bantry are impassable due to flooding amid a Status Orange rain warning for three counties in Munster.
Business owners in Bantry have, over the years, faced similar issues with rainwater entering their premises due to heavy rain.
The area has experienced flooding four times in 18 months between 2018 and 2020.
A flood relief scheme is currently in planning.
‘Sad day for Bantry’ – councillor
Councillor Danny Collins of Independent Ireland has said the rain today is like “déjá vu” for a number of businesses in the towns.
He said: “There’s flooding on the Main Street, the New Street and the quays and it’s devastating businesses, and it’s the same businesses that are being hit all of the time – it’s like déjà vu.
“Flood defences have been promised but unfortunately this hasn’t transpired. There is a meeting on Monday and questions will be asked and answers will be needed.
“But this can’t go on, with the high cost of living and the flooding now, it’s just further heartbreak for businesses.
“Businesses have to get rid of stock, floors are destroyed, it’s sad. A sad day for Bantry again.”
We need your consent to load this comcast-player contentWe use comcast-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Catherine Wharton of Wharton’s Fish and Chips in Bantry, described the devastation faced by one business in the town today.
She told RTÉ News: “One business had water coming up from beneath the floor. The last time this happened it had come in from behind, but this time it was coming up from beneath.
“A lot of businesses are losing out today because of this – businesses are being destroyed, people are angry and at a loss.
“The fire brigade has been incredible though; they have saved a number of businesses today, so there’s always the good with the bad.
“TDs in pointy-toed shoes show up, but nothing is being done – it’s always just paperwork, paperwork, paperwork.”
Local Fine Gael Councillor Caroline Cronin said business owners were “flat out trying to remove water from their shops”.
She told RTÉ News: “My heart goes out to the many businesses in Bantry that have been affected by flooding once again, due to the heavy rain this morning, which caused several streets to be submerged by about lunchtime.
“Thanks to Cork County Council and the local fire crews for their quick response in clearing the culverts and assisting the affected businesses.
She added: “This incident highlights the need for a flood relief scheme for Bantry although it’s a complex project, it needs to happen sooner rather than later.”
Additional reporting Jennie O’Sullivan