Under siege and Under water

Date Published: 26-Nov-2009

THE devastation caused by the flooding in various parts of County Galway could amount to a massive €60 million as insurance companies are already endeavouring to deal with the deluge of claims.

That was the initial estimate from insurers as water levels began to fall in Ballinasloe – switching the focus to south Galway where the crisis worsened over the last two days.

Farmers around Kiltartan, Ardrahan, Labane and Skehana were bearing the brunt of the appalling weather – with fears that more torrential rain is still to come.

Insurance companies are already bracing themselves for a record number of claims and already assessors have visited a number of houses and businesses which have been damaged because of the flooding.

But while water levels remain high, it may not be possible to assess some properties for damage for several days – with safety issues also of prime concern for those inspecting flood damaged houses and businesses.

It is expected that the volume of claims could run to several thousand with the vast majority of those coming from the Ballinasloe area which remains particularly badly affected by the flooding.

The business community in Ballinasloe are also counting the cost of the flooding and many fear that they will not be back trading before the busy Christmas period – such is the extent of the damage caused.

And there are demands that the Government provide an aid package for those households and businesses that are not covered for flood damage.

It is also estimated that the repair of roads as a consequence of the flooding disaster could run into several million euro as well while dozens of cars have also been damaged in the floods.

There was some relief for motorists yesterday when the main road through Claregalway reopened yesterday morning along with the Ferry Bridge in Portumna.

Major disruption was caused when these two vital links were closed for several days due to heavy flooding.

While the roads opened up on a single lane basis, Galway County Council are hopeful that flood levels will continue to reduce over the next couple of days.

Initially the N17 through Claregalway was opened for traffic travelling towards the city before the local authority put in a ‘stop and go’ system to accommodate traffic in both directions. However by 3pm yesterday, the road was fully reopened in both directions.

Diverted traffic had been encountering several hours of tailbacks coming in the Headford Road earlier in the week as motorists were advised to travel only if necessary.

There was also some good news for Ballinasloe when one of the major arteries through the town reopened on Tuesday evening.

The main bridge over the River Suck opened up for local traffic and a stop go system is in place on the slip road coming into the N6 motorway. Frank Gilmore of Galway County Council said that two sections of the new M6 motorway would continue to be used by motorists.

More on the floods and their impact in this week’s Tribune.

Page 1   Councillors demand emergency aid

                Galway’s wettest month

Page 2   Craughwell begins long road to normality

Page 8   Farmers demand ‘practical’ solutions

                ‘Grace of God’ spares Claregalway

Page 9   Relief scheme reaps rewards

Page 10 Ballinasloe businesses count the cost

                Community spirit triumphs

Page 11 South Galway relives nightmare

                Crisis shows community coverage at its best

Page 12 Ballinasloe picks up the pieces

Page 13 Mountbellew – Neighbours turn to neighbours

Page 14 Editorial – Govt. must announce relief scheme