A much-loved Inishowen venue has had to close its doors until further notice after the flash flooding, leaving up to 15 people temporarily jobless.
The Point Inn bar, restaurant and B&B at Quigley’s Point suffered extensive damage after the night of extreme rainfall levels on Tuesday August 22nd.
The Point Inn, Quigley’s Point
Flooding damage at The Point Inn, Quigley’s Point, Co. Donegal
Speaking to Donegal Daily today, owner John McLaughlin said it may be up to six months before The Point Inn can reopen.
“We are up to our knees in muck. It’s a disaster zone,” he said.
John faced the difficult task of telling his staff force of 15 full time and part time workers that there was no work for them.
“I had a meeting with staff this morning and had to tell them I can’t guarantee them jobs. It’s a very sad thing to do,” he said.
The popular local venue was reopened four and a half years ago. It now requires a complete restoration, and management have had to cancel all bookings and reservations.
“The whole place has to be sanitized. We can’t make any long term plans yet,” John said.
The Point Inn was a refuge for many on the night of the flood. People who were stranded in the village due to roads being flooded and blocked were welcomed into the residence and given a place to stay until morning.
“We had people in corridors and people sleeping on spare sofas. There was between 70 and 80 people here that night, including our guests who had booked in,” John said.
Flooding damage at The Point Inn, Quigley’s Point, Co. Donegal
Flooding damage at The Point Inn, Quigley’s Point, Co. Donegal
Flooding damage at The Point Inn, Quigley’s Point, Co. Donegal
John said he has had to do the clean-up operation himself and has not yet had any assistance from the authorities this week.
“We are just trying to clear it ourselves. We’ve lost the business and that’s it.”
Management say they hope the get back on their feet as soon as possible.
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