Floods are gone but anger over lack of help remains

Catriona Loughran • Published 23 Dec 2009 09:00 0 Comments

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As the snow blanketed the countryside this week, it's hard to imagine that no less than a month ago, parts of Fermanagh were submerged under water as the worst flooding since records began wreaked havoc across the county.

More than 30 days of continuous rain led to serious flooding problems for lakeside dwellers, farmers and businesses, who could only but watch as rivers and lakes flushed into their property.

One month on and flood victims have begun a difficult and arduous clean-up operation with many feeling "disappointed" that the agencies have offered little or no help during their plight.

Tom Leonard of Leonard's Marina Carrybridge, said since the floods they have to catch up on five to six weeks of work and that Christmas will simply come and go.

"When the lake finally subsided we had the task of recovering 40ft boats that were left stranded by the floods lifting them off their stands. They had to be lifted, washed and winterised. It's usually me and the son that work at the marina but we have had to bring in someone part-time to help us with the clean-up. It's been a massive inconvenience to ourselves and it has kept us back five to six weeks and we will rest on Christmas Day but it will be back at work the next day. We have received little or no help from the government. In my opinion the Upper Lough should never have been allowed to overflow and the blame ultimately lies with Ballyshannon, they held back so that they could have a reserve of water and then released it when the damage was already done."

A Task Force set up to discuss the recent floods was held at Enniskillen Townhall yesterday (Tuesday), but Mr Leonard asked the question, what will this really achieve?

"What really will come out of this and what is the point of it? We've had to deal with this mess on our own and I really don't expect anything more from our local politicians and I'm sure there will be a lot of people around here staying at home when the elections come round," he stated.

Jack McVitty's farm in Lisnaskea was left completely isolated by the flooding and said more help should be given to farmers.

"The flood water has eased thankfully but there is black residue with all the muck of the day lying in my fields. The flood carried all the rubbish you can think of and the only way of getting rid of it is collecting it by hand yourself. We got no help and will get no help to clear up this mess. When the television cameras are away, people think the problem has gone, but it hasn't. No-one ever contacted me about my farm and I was pretty much isolated and have no other choice but to do it."

Mr McVitty said he lost major business when the milk lorry was unable to reach his parlour and collect his milk.

"We ran out of heating oil and the oil tanker refused to deliver the oil to the house and I had to collect it myself in drums and even the dairy feed lorry driver left half a tonne bags at the bottom of the flood line for me to collect.

"I had to throw gallons of milk down the drain. I was also given no dispensation from DARD when I got my female livestock blood-tested before the floods. After you get them tested you have 30 days in order to sell them but I couldn't get out of the place and DARD said under no circumstances would I be given any dispensation or extended time and the 30 days ran out and now I have to get them tested again. They talk about all this work-related stress but they don't think farmers have to go through this and I feel that no help will ever be given. What's the point of Michelle Gildernew and Peter Robinson coming out here to get a photograph taken when they're going to do nothing? It's just very disappointing." he said.

One of the main businesses affected was The Share Holiday Village in Lisnaskea, which has begun a major clear up of the swimming pool and leisure suite which had to close due to the floods.

Like most businesses, the Centre already faced a difficult financial year and is coming to terms with the burden of flood damage and lost revenue which could cost them a total of £500,000.

The Leisure Suite and Gym will be closed until September as it will now require a major overhaul; however the rest of the premises will remain open for business.

"As water sports are among our more popular activities, the only blessing is that it did not happen during our busy season as it would have made it extremely difficult to provide changing facilities for up to 400 people per day partaking in activities," said Rory Martin, Share Marketing Officer.

The Leisure Suite which has been open for around 14 years was the only fully accessible gym facility in the local area which welcomed many people with disabilities and special needs and held a lot of specialist equipment.

Oliver Wilkinson, Share Chief Executive said members will be affected, "The closure of the swimming pool and leisure suite will affect the 250 members from the local area as it is estimated that it will be out of action until September 2010 at the earliest. Our heart goes out to all those staff, volunteers and people in the local community who helped fund raise to make the building possible all those years ago, we may have to call upon their support once again in the new year!"

Speaking on behalf of the people of Boho, Derrygonnelly and Monea, Bernice Swift said people in this area "have had enough of flooding and need help now".

"Ratepayers suffering the lifelong flooding problem in Boho/Derrygonnelly and Churchill are furious that they still have not received the necessary investment and political will of Ministers to address what seems to be a blatant inequality by simply making correct decisions for a change, allowing those with the where with all to get on with solving the problems. Recent meetings I've had with Rivers Agency and Road Service agree that the Boho flooding issue takes special consideration from all others, all of which I continue to apply pressure to have addressed".

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 23 Dec 09

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