Flood victims seek compensation as more rain forecast

Residents affected by the flooding in Clonmel tonight called for Government compensation for the damage caused to their properties…

Residents affected by the flooding in Clonmel tonight called for Government compensation for the damage caused to their properties as Met Éireann forecast more heavy rain in the south and east.

Yesterday and today the River Suir burst its banks, engulfing streets and surrounding countryside and causing thousands of euros in damage.

It is the second major flood in the area in four years and local TDs called for the implementation of a long-delayed flood alleviation scheme for the town.

Local independent TD Mr Seamus Healy said essential work like the cleaning of streams and culverts was due to start two months ago but may not start now until 2006.

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"The people are at the mercy of the River Suir," he said. "We want the flood relief work to start immediately and adequate compensation to cover damaged property in the meantime."

Minister for State at the Department of Finance, Mr Tom Parlon, who has responsibility for administering flood relief schemes, visited Clonmel today.

He said that the flood alleviation scheme had been delayed by 113 objections from local interest groups.

"I have the height of sympathy for the townspeople but the revised plan is going on public display in the New Year," he told RTÉ Radio. "Clonmel is the priority now."

Emergency services including the Civil Defence, borough council staff and army worked for 36 hours to sandbag homes and businesses and rescue stranded people.

Fine Gael today blamed the Government for failing to take action on flooding in Clonmel. Local TD and the party's environment spokesman, Mr Tom Hayes, said: "The Government has continued to ignore the considerable damage that has been done to people's homes and businesses.

Elsewhere in Tipperary parts of the road between Cashel and Clonmel were closed due to floods.

There was also bad flooding in Limerick, on the N8 three miles on the Dublin side of Cashel at Ballyshehan Stud. In Waterford, the Tramore Road was impassable due to flooding and it is also bad between Castlecomer and Clough, according to AA Roadwatch.

In Kilkenny, Circular Road was closed and Bridge Street in Callen was also impassable. Thomastown quay and Station Road were flooded, while Ballylion near Callan was also reported impassable.

In Meath, the Ashbourne to Kilbride Road at Donamore football club is under three feet of water and is not passable. In Offaly, there is flooding on the Clara and Ballycumber road.

In Dublin, the Old Dún Laoghaire Road and many roads in the city and county have surface flooding.

Gardaí are advising motorists to drive with extra care as there have been some minor accidents.

Irish Rail has said the intercity line between Wicklow and Greystones is closed and is not expected to reopen for several days. There are bus transfers running between Gorey and Bray. The Cork-Cobh commuter line is also closed due to flooding. Luas services are running up to 30 mins late on the Red Line. Dart services are running as normal.

Met Éireann has warned of more gales and heavy rainfall tonight, leading to more localised flooding in parts of Munster and Leinster.

All ferry sailings on the HSS Stena Exploreron the Dún Laoghaire/Holyhead route have been cancelled today. Foot passengers will be accommodated an Irish Ferries sailing from Dublin Port.

All Irish Ferries Jonathan Swiftsailings are running on time.