&

By Michelle Crean

A severe flood - which has caused upwards of €20,000 worth of damage - has set one busy women’s charity back by months after a mains pipe burst causing extensive damage.

Families using the ADAPT Kerry Women's Refuge, a safe refuge in Tralee for those experiencing domestic abuse countywide - had to be quickly moved last Thursday night as the building became submerged in water after a mains pipe, approximately seven foot under their building, suddenly burst causing massive damage to the specialist hospital grade flooring, the playroom, reception area, staff kitchen, laundry room, accounts office, foyer and two apartments downstairs in its Tralee building.

Staff, as well as families who were in the building at the time, were shocked to discover the fast filling water and emergency services immediately moved them to a safehouse.

The charity, which provides services in towns and villages across Kerry, including Killarney, is already under financial pressure due to the closure of its charity shop which was a huge revenue boost to them.

“Luckily we had only three families in that night,” General Manager, Catherine Casey, told the Killarney Advertiser.
“We have had a very busy period with the lockdown with families seeking help. But on the night it was our quietest period in weeks and nobody was staying downstairs. Community Gardai and the fire service came and moved the families to safehouses.”

She added that they are hoping to be back to normal in three to four weeks’ time but are appealing for funds to help offset some of the costs.

“We’re still operating. We rely heavily on the charity shop for revenue as we’ve a deficit of €30,000 a year and it pays for the posts. However, the shop remains closed for now.”

To help with funds ADAPT have added a donate button on their website www.kerryrefuge.com.
Anyone who is in need of support or advice from the service can call 066 7129100.