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THE deluge caused by the December storms has resulted in serious flooding in areas across Kerry including Glenflesk, Beaufort and Fossa in the past month. One of the families whose home was flooded was the Switzers in Glenflesk.
Elizabeth and Damien Switzer and their three young sons had to move to the upper floor of their home when the ground floor was completely submerged in water. “Storm Desmond closed in and totally flooded the house – no sandbags could help!” Elizabeth told the Killarney Advertiser.
Neighbours and friends rallied round, even to the extent of delivering sandbags by teleporter. “People were wonderful,” said Elizabeth.
“We’re a happy bunch and we get on with things but going forward we’re just worried if it comes again what help is out there? Is this something we are going to have to dread?”
There have been many calls for action in the wake of flood damage in Kerry. Councillors Danny Healy-Rae and Niall Kelleher have spoken of the need to dredge rivers where flooding occurs.
“It’s a proven method, but there seems to be more concern for our fish than for our people and that is not right,” said Councillor Niall Kelleher.
Ten houses were flooded in Glenflesk on December 5, with flooding occurring in Beaufort and Fossa residences also, and many other homes in these areas and also in Kilcummin under threat of flooding.
A road in Foiladane, Glenflesk, was blocked with residents unable to go to and from their homes for almost two days. “I have fierce sympathy for those people whose Christmases were turned upside down,” said Councillor Danny Healy-Rae.