Coastal areas of the county have been hit dramatically by Storm Christine
Gale force winds and heavy showers of rain continue to batter the coast this morning, while high tides have seen sea water blown in-land with devastating effect in some parts
A number of roads have been flooded – the route from Liscannor to Lahinch has been impassable, while flooding has also occured in Lahinch, Doolin, Doonbeg, Cappa, Carrigaholt and Kilbaha.
Homes have been flooded in the West Clare communities of Quilty and Carrigaholt
Flooding is also reported between Labasheeda and Kildysart, while the Cliffs of Moher is closed as a Met Eireann wind warning remains in place until this afternoon.
On Monday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with people in effected areas to get a sense of what’s happening and the extent of the damage
Antoine O’Looney in O’Looney’s Bar, Lahinch said that the promenade is continuing to get a pummelling
Joe Garrihy of Lahinch Seaworld said they are hoping to be up and running as soon as possible – but this morning they got a further blast after what they already experienced last Thursday night
John also spoke with Dexter McCullough of Lahinch Surf Experience whose van was caught in the flood of the carpark last week.
Tom Tiernan, Senior Engineer with Clare County Council had an update on the flooding situation and the council’s response to it since Friday morning.
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer with the Clare Garda Division joined John in studio with advice for people during the stormy weather
He also appealed for information on crimes committed over the Christmas period
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100.
Seafield listener Banny McCarthy spoke with John about the trauma of being evacuated from his home and the devastation done to it
John then spoke with Pat Gavin who runs the Carrigaholt post office – Pat was stranded at his home on Friday morning and could not leave to open the post office
Eugene Garrihy of Doolin to Aran Ferries had an update on the damage in their area and Ailish Connolly in Kilbaha spoke about the devastation there.
Finally, Lahinch hotelier Michael Vaughan spoke about efforts to clean up the area.
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