The Avondhu

Still no compensation for Fermoy flood victims

KATIE GLAVIN

Over two years since properties on Brian Boru Square were flooded following a technical failure, those affected have yet to receive compensation for damage and losses.

The flood, which occurred during a weather event on February 23, 2021, saw three businesses at Brian Boru Square flooded in the early hours of February 24 due to a sensor malfunction at the Rathealy Road pump house.

Despite being directed to submit compensation claims to the Office of Public Works (OPW), those affected claim that there is ‘ no progress’ being made and they are becoming ‘frustrated and annoyed’ with the long process.

Affected parties state that they submitted claims as far as 8 months ago, however, progress on receiving compensation is ‘nil’ for the victims.

TheAvondhu has again requested a copy of ‘The Fermoy (North) Flood Relief Scheme 23rd February 2021 Flood Incident Report’ and queried progress in relation to compensation claims.

“The Office of Public Works has received claims for compensation from those whose businesses or premises experienced flooding in Fermoy on 24th February 2021. The claims are currently under consideration,” a spokesperson for the OPW responded.

No response has yet been received from Cork County Council in relation to requests for a copy of the Flood Incident Report.

‘IRISH RED TAPE’

According to Cork East TD Seán Sherlock, who has raised the matter in parliamentary questions on several occasions, the situation is ‘deeply frustrating’ for property owners involved.

“Compensation must be paid. The answer to this problem lies somewhere between the OPW and Cork County Council. If there was no maintenance contract at the pumphouse at the time of the flooding, then the question is why that was so and whether that resulted in a liability on the part of the statutory agencies”.

Recently, Cllr William O’Leary also put forward a parliamentary question on the matter through Pádraig O’Sullivan TD.

“We’re now two years down the road since the flood event took place and this is typical Irish red tape where everything comes to a standstill. From the council’s point of view, we have done our bit and carried out the report so it’s now with the OPW and the State Claims Agency.

“These businesses have suffered substantial damages two years ago and they should now be shown compassion and some arrangement should be made for this,” Cllr O’Leary said.

Cllr Noel McCarthy stated that the situation is ‘concerning’.

“It’s very concerning that the businesses and people affected by the flooding haven’t been compensated yet. I’m shocked to hear that no progress has been made since we were briefed on the report nearly six months ago. I’m calling on the OPW to address the matter immediately,” Cllr McCarthy said.

AVON DHU

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2023-03-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://avondhu.pressreader.com/article/281586654856626

The Avondhu (Ireland)