FLOODING CRISIS:WHILE CORK city remains on alert against further flooding because of high tides, water levels are receding elsewhere as the massive clean-up gets under way across the country.
A high tide passed without any reported flooding in Cork yesterday. But the city is still on guard because of a combination of higher tides, strong winds and heavy rain.
Water levels have fallen in the river Shannon but large areas remain submerged and road restrictions at still in place in some areas from Leitrim village as far south as Portumna.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), which has been co-ordinating a voluntary fodder relief scheme for hundreds of farmers who have had their animal feed destroyed, met Department of Agriculture officials at the weekend concerning implementation of the €2 million fodder plan.
Heading the IFA delegation, Connacht vice-president Michael Silke said it was vital the scheme operated in an efficient and flexible way so support could be made before Christmas. The sum available must not be a barrier to support and if more funding was required then it must be provided, he said.
He said where structural damage occurred – including to buildings, land, roadways, fencing and machinery, the Government must seek funding from the EU solidarity fund.
The department was asked to forgo all other inspections for Single Farm Payment, Disadvantaged Areas and the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme and to make all outstanding payments.
In Ennis, Co Clare, neighbours were rallying around an Ennis Traveller family made homeless by the flooding who are unable to find some place else to stay.
Despite making inquiries of 16 private properties around Ennis from landlords in the past week, the nine-member McCarthy family have been unable to secure a viewing for any of the homes.
“It is because the McCarthys are Travellers that they cannot get a home . . . They are brilliant neighbours, but they are also our friends as well,” said one neighbour, Susan Walsh.
A large number of funds have been set up to help the flood victims and Cork Lord Mayor Cllr Dara Murphy announced an initiative to co-ordinate flood relief efforts by various charitable organisations.
The Irish Red Cross, the HSE South, Cllr Murphy’s office and St Vincent De Paul are accepting cash donations as well as applications for assistance.
The Muslim community has set up its own fund to work with the Irish Red Cross to help victims. Collections have already been taken up at mosques around the country.
The head of fundraising said the Irish Muslim Flood Relief Committee also plans to hold street collections and will be appealing to the embassies of predominantly Muslim countries asking for contributions.
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland is to set aside a fund to help members whose premises and businesses were affected by the floods.