An SDLP councilor said residents in many areas of Derry are tired of repairing flood damage to their homes with no support from the Department of Facilities. Northern Ireland infrastructure.
Parts of North West Ireland were hit by heavy rain over the weekend causing damage to homes and infrastructure in Donegal and Derry.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio One this morning, Martin Reilly, SDLP advisor representing Derry and Strabane, said affected residents were informed in 2017, following similar floods, that the event This has only happened in a century.
“Every flooded household I have talked to has been flooded before,” he said, adding that many such homes do not qualify for severe water damage insurance.
“They have to pay for the damage themselves.
People queuing for sandbags at the Waterside warehouse across from the employment and welfare office - staff @deptinfra working as fast as they can. More bags will be loaded from other areas arriving later, which will help speed up progress. pic.twitter.com/xxVVQcpRMx
- martin reilly (@martinhollo) July 24, 2022
“I think the people who were flooded in the first catastrophic flood we had in 2017 are now watching. , 5 years later, and had to choose to pay for the pieces of their family's home, repaired their home and went through the process of dealing with the emotional trauma this flood brought. , as well as affecting its own property.
The local fire brigade responded to nearly 50 flood-related emergency calls.
There was a yellow Met Office weather warning for the area Saturday and Sunday evening.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue said it received 106 flood-related emergency calls between 7pm on Saturday and 1:30am on Sunday.
There was flash flooding here in Derry, many roads were flooded. Be careful if you drive. pic.twitter.com/EGHJtJgUch
- Pearse Doherty (@PearseDoherty) July 23, 2022
Reilly says households can apply for £1000 for repairs but that's not enough 'to page' cover the full cost of the damage. "
He said residents appreciate that the flooding happened outside office hours, but now the Department of Infrastructure "needs a clearer answer on what action they are taking."
Donegal County Council Services Director Garry Martin said most flooding occurred around the east side of Inishowen.
Donegal Fire Service responded with pumps and sandbags and councils dealt with flooded roads in the area.
"Our top priority is to save lives and make sure no one is harmed."
He said the council will speak with the National Fire and Emergency Management Branch to decide if it is necessary to activate a support program for businesses affected by the floods.
Read more: https://www.thejournal.ie/flooding-derry-donegal-5825258-Jul2022/
