Louth County Council update on flood response and Humanitarian Assistance Scheme for those affected
Assistance available to households and businesses in the immediate aftermath of flooding
Louth County Council issued a statement last night on its response to the flooding that took place across north Louth on Tuesday and says that it has received confirmation from the Department of Social Protection that the Community Welfare Service can provide assistance to households and businesses in the immediate aftermath of flooding.
In its statement on Tuesday night, the local authority said that: “Louth County Council's Severe Weather Team was convened to ensure a coordinated response was in place to deal with the ongoing weather problems associated with heavy rainfall, in particular in the north of the County over the past 24 hours. The primary focus today remained on ensuring public safety by attending to road closures and infrastructure damage within the north Louth area.
"Since Monday evening, staff and crews of Louth County Council have dealt with numerous flooding instances throughout the affected areas of the County. The Fire Service of Louth County Council also attended incidents throughout the day which included members of the public being rescued from vehicles which were stranded as a result of flood water.
"In north Louth, the areas of Carlingford, Omeath and Ravensdale have been affected severely with several properties and businesses being affected throughout the areas.
"Infrastructure damaged included a bridge over the Big River in Riverstown which was severely damaged and closed as a result. On roads where flooding has abated, crews continue to work on the removal of debris that has washed onto the roads at numerous locations.
"In Dundalk town, areas affected are the residential areas of Bay Estate, Cluan End and Avondale. A significant part of the Council’s response was the deployment of circa 4,000 sandbags to homeowners and businesses whose premises were at risk of flooding. In addition, sandbags were also made available at the Council’s depots where members of the public were able to access same, if required.
"Louth County Council have received confirmation from the Department of Social Protection that the Community Welfare Service can provide assistance to households and businesses in the immediate aftermath of flooding through the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.
"Those affected are asked to contact the service by calling 0818 60 70 80 or by calling into their local Intreo Centre. You can click on this link to find out further information on this scheme: How to access Community Welfare Services.
"We wish to extend our gratitude and acknowledge all staff members in particular our outdoor workforce, who have worked tirelessly in providing a response to the widespread flooding incidents in North Louth. We also commend the tremendous community spirit in the areas affected that has also been instrumental in providing assistance to those most impacted”.