SALES SUFFER AS SHOPS STAY AFLOAT AFTER ANOTHER FLOOD
Businesses located in flooded areas in Fermoy suffered a loss in sales during last week’s flooding, although they managed to pull through and stay afloat.
Toss Bryan’s hadn’t any damage to report, but the shop was closed on Friday, along with the nearby Riordan’s SuperValu and Lidl.
“We couldn’t do any business. If the road was raised by two feet it would make a huge difference,” Tom Bryan told The Avondhu. It wasn’t business as usual for The Grand Hotel either. Although the hotel sustained no interior damage, the quay was flooded until 6.30pm on Friday evening, when the hotel reopened.
“The real damage was that the business was closed,” manager, Joe Kearney, confirmed. Mr Kearney wanted to express his gratitude to the people who came to help them once they received the flood warning.
“I’d like to commend all those who helped us to prepare for the flood. We sealed the doors from the inside and lifted the furniture and the electrical equipment. We have a procedure in place. We know the flood is coming and we prepare for it. As soon as the water subsides the hotel is in a position to open in about two hours.
"If anything gets damaged in the process we have to put our hands in our pockets and pay for it ourselves. We have no flood insurance and The Grand Hotel isn’t covered for damage or loss of business,” Mr Kearney explained.
Wimpy Takeaway and Deerpark Florists were among the businesses most seriously affected in Brian Boru Square. Fire services were on hand to pump out the water on Friday night.
“We put the machinery back on Saturday morning. One of the chip machines knocked over in the water was valued at €4,000. I haven’t seen it as bad since 1998. I’ve been here since 1984 and I must have been through at least 12 floods,” said owner, Antonio Talossi.
Only, this time, Mr Talossi claims that he received no proper flood warning from gardai or other emergency services.
Published:
Friday 27th November 8:49am
