A Wexford TD is calling for humanitarian aid following the floods that swept across the county yesterdya.
People, particularly in the south of the county - were left trapped in their cars and homes as heavy flooding cause severe damage to roads and homes.
Emergency services worked throughout Christmas Day to help bail out houses, rescue people who were left trapped, and begin the clean up after the destructive flash flooding.
“I have tonight contacted both the the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD to request that the Humanitarian Aid Scheme for businesses and community groups and the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys to request that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme for homes be opened as a matter of urgency” said James Browne.
"This flash flood damage is devastating for the people and businesses of Wexford and comes after what has been an exceptionally difficult year for all. These schemes are designed to provide urgent help to those who have have suffered damage as a result of flooding."
The Emergency Humanitarian Aid Scheme provides urgent funding of up to €20,000 to small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations that could not secure flood insurance and have premises that have been damaged by recent exceptional weather events.
What an amazing photo from David Parsons of the worst flooding to hit Bridgetown in over 50 years. People had to be rescued from a car stuck in the flood. #Wexford #Flooding 🌧 pic.twitter.com/RN79G4hPNb
— Pádraig Byrne (@byrne_padraig) December 25, 2021
It's as a County Councillor says a red level rain warning would have been more appropriate for the area yesterday.
Heavy downpours continued for the entire day, leaving roads impassable and some homes and businesses flooded.
The county was, along with four surrounding counties, under a yellow level warning from Met Eireann.
But Gorey Cllr Andrew Bolger believes a stronger caution was needed for Wexford:
"I do think that a red level warning should have been warranted. I think there was a threat to life.
"I think certainly more in South Wexford than North Wexford, but even on the motorways of north Wexford there were lanes that were covered in still water, that would have been very difficult for drivers who would have been travelling at high speed."
