DONEGAL County Council
has issued a humanitarian helpline number for people
suffering the after-effects of one of the worst
thunder storms to hit the North West in living
memory.
Some people have been left homeless after
devastating downpours hit the area on Tuesday night
leaving houses destroyed with flood water and
washing away main roads, bridges and other
infrastructure.
A number of businesses were forced to close their
doors as a major clean-up operation got underway.
The Point Inn in Quigley's Point, one of worst
affected areas of the Inishowen peninsula, has been
forced to close until further notice.
Staff at the roadside hotel struggled to contain the
floodwaters for a number of hours on Tuesday night
along with family and friends.
"Due to the flooding last night we are unfortunately
closed until further notice. We apologise for any
inconvenience caused. Thanks to everyone who gave a
hand last night. It's very much appreciated,"
management said in a social media post.
Meanwhile, An Grianan Hotel, some 10km away in Burt,
had to deploy sandbags in a bid to stop the water
flooding the lobby.
Despite this, the hotel took in a number of stranded
motorists who could not get home on Tuesday night,
and
"The hotel has been heavily impacted by the recent
flooding. Staff are doing everything they can to
regain 100% service. We sincerely apologise for any
inconveniences caused during this time. Bar Food is
running as normal from 12.30pm-9pm," management said
urging people to call them for more information.
One Fermanagh family, the Duffys, who were
accommodated at the hotel after becoming stranded
following a day trip to Inishowen on Tuesday said:
Thank you for all the help last night. You took us
in when we were stranded and were trying to cope
with the awful flooding around your own hotel. And
this morning the hotel is running and breakfast is
great. Fantastic hotel and thank you again,"
Michelle Duffy posted on Facebook.
Meanwhile, sources said Donegal County Council would
struggle to cope both financially and logistically
with the clean-up operation with some people calling
on the Government to deploy Army personnel to the
area immediately.
Donegal County Council's humanitarian line is 074 91
53900 or out-of-hours on 074 91 72288. |
