Clean-up begins as dry spell helps waters recede
Monday November 23 2009
HOUSEHOLDERS and businesses hit by the latest bout of flooding in Clonmel yesterday began tentative clean-up operations last night as the high waters continued to recede.
With several hours of dry weather on Saturday and yesterday, authorities confirmed that the Suir overflow had gone back by about two feet since Friday.
Many of the roads hit by the worst of the flooding were re-opened by the council and gardai over the weekend, although the Convent Bridge and quays remained impassable yesterday.
Around 30 householders left their homes at the height of the flood on Thursday night and on Friday and most of those stayed with relatives, although one was accommodated in a local hospital and another in a nursing home.
They are expected to start returning today to assess the damage done by the latest bout of flooding -- the worst in the town since 2004.
The 2004 flood was followed by a government commitment to provide a major flood alleviation scheme in Clonmel but, five years later, phase one of that project has yet to be completed while tenders have not yet been invited for phase two.
The second phase will see barriers and walls being installed along the Suir in the town centre and it will take at least two years to finish.
It is estimated the flood levels at their peak fell about two inches short of the severe bouts in 2000 and 2004.
- Conor Kane
Irish Independent
