Business owners in Downpatrick, County Down are calling for urgent financial support after severe flooding caused significant losses and damage to their establishments. Nuala McCartan, who has run family shops in the town for almost 100 years, said that her stock is “just floating about” following the floods and described the events as “heartbreaking”. Flooding has been reported almost everywhere in the town, and authorities are urging people to avoid using the Lagan Towpath in Belfast due to the flooding in parts. Officials have confirmed that pumping in Downpatrick has been stopped but water levels in the River Quoile remain high, preventing some floodwater from draining into it.
Council staff are now making preparations for a “substantial clean-up” to enable locals to reopen the town centre to the public. Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Michelle O’Neill called on Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to provide funding for emergency relief efforts, as well as financial support to businesses affected by the flooding. Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn followed suit, writing to Mr Heaton-Harris and asking what assistance the UK Government could provide.
Despite there being offers of help from emergency services and the local community, Ms McCartan said the emergency response had been inadequate so far. Her family business does not have the funds to rebuild and needs help urgently. Mr Séan Sealey, Manager of a pharmacy in Downpatrick, expressed his concern for other businesses that are unable to reopen and stated that he needs the other businesses on the street for footfall. The Department for Communities is providing emergency £1,000 payments for domestic properties flooded by the recent floods, and the Northern Ireland Executive Office has established a recovery sub-group to engage with affected businesses and keep political representatives informed.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More