The scene at the Spirit Store yesterday, with water coming up to the entrance of the premises, as captured by Cllr Dearey
Mark Dearey
Green Party councillor and local businessman Mark Dearey has called on the Government to online their Flood Management Strategy to help businesses and homeowners know where they stand when their property floods.
As owner of The Spirit Store in George’s Quay, Cllr Dearey has had a busy few weeks battling rising tides, with water coming right up to the door of the premises as recently as yesterday.
The father of two, who will run in both the European and local elections in May, will have to be on the defensive again today with further flooding anticipated around 2pm as a flood warning has been issued for Dundalk and Blackrock.
However, while Cllr Dearey accepts that flooding is set to become more commonplace, he wants the government to show leadership and outline how they intend to manage the problem and what they are going to do to help homes and businesses secure flood insurance.
“The impact of decades of underinvestment in our flood defences and an absence of sustainable river management strategies are now being felt by communities the length and breadth of the country. Despite years of warnings that climate change would result in heavier rainfall and rising sea levels, the Government have made no statement about how they intend to manage this crisis in the long-term,” said Cllr Dearey.
“For the second time in three weeks, my business was flooded yesterday. I know what it’s like to see that inexorable rise of water, and I share in the frustration of those who are suffering at this time.
“People across the country are now looking to the Government for help, and they’re looking for leadership in answering how we’re going to face this challenge in the years ahead. All evidence suggests that these storms and floods are going to become more common and more destructive. Government, local authorities and the insurance industry need to work together in figuring out where we go from here.”
Last month’s flooding in the area has already cost in the region of quarter of a million euro while the cost to the local authority if businesses close their doors for good as a result of the inevitable knock-on effect that these floods have on trade in the area.
Louth County Council issued a flood warning for 2.30pm today with an Orange weather warning in place from 3pm today until 9am tomorrow, with flooding likely in Dundalk, Blackrock and Bellurgan during this period.
What’s left of the main Whitestown to Ballagan coast road on the Cooley Peninsula following yesterday’s storm. Monday’s tides were down in terms of height, but the waves were much more powerful, according to Louth Weather, who captured the superb image
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