|
|
Irish Red Cross lost €250,000 in
Donegal floods
15.09.17
THE Irish Red Cross has
revealed it lost ambulances and life-saving
equipment worth €250,000 in the floods that
devastated parts of Co Donegal last month.
The charity's chairman Pat Carey outlined the losses
last night at a presentation where €35,000 was
handed over to the humanitarian agency to help
families affected by the once-in-a-century weather
event. |
 |
The €35K was the
proceeds of a 'Flood Aid' concert organised in the
days after the storm which attracted Ireland's top
country music performers including Daniel O'Donnell,
Nathan Carter and Big Tom.
Speaking at the cheque presentation in Letterkenny,
former Fianna Fáil politician Mr Carey congratulated
all involved in the concert and said he had never
before seen such a strong community response to a
disaster.
"Our own Red Cross people suffered (in the floods)
as well. Losing the ambulances, losing the building,
we estimate that it's about a quarter of a million
altogether but it's our job at headquarters to make
sure that there will be ambulances on the road, that
the building is back in use and that the work won't
be interfered with," said Mr Carey.
He was referring to the complete destruction of the
Irish Red Cross building as torrential rains swamped
the border village of Muff.
He said Donegal Red Cross volunteers had been out
helping people every night since the August 22
floods and they would accompany him again on a visit
to see for himself the damage caused to homes and
property in the worst-hit areas of Inishowen.
The Irish Red Cross chairman also congratulated
everyone involved in the unique concert including
the Letterkenny businesswoman Deirdre Grant who
spearheaded the mammoth effort.
"It was an unbelievable undertaking and a great
effort and congratulations to every single one of
you, in and out of uniform, for all the work you
have done," Mr Carey added.
Meanwhile, Daniel O'Donnell sent a video message
from his tour in Canada saying he hoped the concert
cash would help people in Inishowen get "back on
(their) feet" while the singing legend assured them
they were part of a strong community and were "made
of good stuff". |
|
