REFURBISHMENT work to homes in St Mary’s Park began this week after the fast track release of €1.3million flood relief funding from the Department of Housing.
Within the next month, it is estimated that up to 70 of the houses destroyed by the Shannon floods will be in a condition to allow residents return to their homes.
Brian Geaney of Limerick City and County council said that five contractors were on site and the estimate is that seven houses will be completed by each contractor over a two-week period.
Over 2,000 people were affected when 300 homes in St Mary’s Park were flooded as south westerly winds, spring tides and deep off shore depressions led to what was described as the perfect storm
Government action was sought and through her department, Minister for Housing Jan O’Sullivan fast-tracked funding to the Regeneration office and Limerick City Council to allow the work commence at pace.
Minister O’Sullivan said “a sizeable amount of money is now available to address the problems and the main aim is to get theses homes back to a point where they are of comfortable use for the residents.”
A total of 82 houses are to be brought to BER energy rating of C through the immediate refurbishment works of the five listed contractors.
Meantime, a number of families remain in temporary accommodation but efforts are continuing to have them returned to their homes or rehoused.
More than €200,000 has now been paid from the humanatarian fund to replace white goods lost in the floods as well as claimant payments for food and fuel.
Responding to comments made by Cllr Maurice Quinlivan that the release of funding doesn’t offer anything for flooded victims outside of St. Mary’s Park, Minister O’Sullivan said that the Department had activated the third phase of the humanatarian fund.
“The mechanisms are in place for those outside the regeneration areas to access the fund. People affected on the Mill Road, Atlunkard Street, Corbally and adjoining Estates in Kings Island, can now go to their Community Welfare officers seeking phase three assistance from the humanitarian fund.”
“The first phase looked after clothes and immediate items like that, while the second phase dealt with payments for items such as white goods and household items.
“The third phase, which has now been activated, will deal with structural issues now that the homes have dried out and I would be urging people to go back to their Community Welfare Officers now, in either Ballynanty Health Centre or at Kings Island Community Centre, as that is where the assistance is available for those outside St Mary’s Park,” she explained.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been given a report from residents who told him that conditions in the areas affected by floods are at a humanitarian crisis level and require immediate and further assistance.
