The people of Killybegs are beginning to count the costs after a night of flash flooding in the heart of the town.
Businesses were flooded on the Bridge Street and Shore Road after torrential rain caused the local river to burst its banks.
A high tide and non-stop rain caused water to rush onto the roads and into premises at nightfall. Emergency services rushed to the area as sandbags were distributed to business owners.
Water levels reached heights not seen in decades on Bridge Street, as flooding reached as high as windowsills of offices, hairdressers, opticians and other businesses. Independent TD Thomas Pringle’s constituency office was one of the worst affected premises.
Fintra National School was also hit by flooding but it is believed to be reopened as normal today.
“It was quite scary, but it’s nowhere near the damage of Inishowen, thank God,” Cllr Niamh Kennedy told Donegal Daily.
The flood waters receded back into the river after 1am , but as morning comes the premises owners will begin assessing the damage.
“I was talking to one premises owner who is now waiting on the insurance vetters to come out. It’s something we learned from Inishowen – when it happens, the first thing you should do it contact the insurance company so the damage can be assessed.”
“It is mainly businesses and gardens that are damaged, not houses as such. There is one house owned by an elderly lady which we were concerned about. We’ll be checking in on her today,” Cllr Kennedy said.
It was a stroke of luck that the damage at Fintra National School was not worse, Cllr Kennedy said.
“It was by pure coincidence that a teacher happened to be working there late and noticed the heavy rain. They saw that the gym was beginning to flood and they quickly got the dehumidifiers in last night.”
Emergency response teams from Donegal County Council, the Fire Service and the Coast Guard were all present last night to bring sandbags and offer assistance.
“The council were great, they came in their droves and anything that was needed was provided. I think we are much better prepared than we were weeks ago,” Cllr Kennedy said.
It is hoped that the impact of yesterday won’t have too much lasting damage on the premises, but the surge of water was of unprecedented levels not seen in decades.
“It’s a long time since the capacity of the river couldn’t take the volume of water. Some locals said it is maybe 30 or 40 years since they remember Bridge Street in such a bad shape.
“The rain never stopped all day, it was bound to have some effect. As the river tide was rising the flow of water had to go somewhere, so it burst out of the banks and over the road.
“The surface damage is one thing, but when you start taking electrics into it there could be more damage than we know,” Cllr Kennedy said.
Cllr Kennedy, who was on the Shore Road last night, said locals were fearful that the tide would reach its height again at 6am this morning. Thankfully, the rain eased after 1am and gave the waters time to recede back.
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