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Victims affected by the 2009 flooding in Cork

Victims affected by the 2009 flooding in Cork are considering launching legal action against the State on the basis of an independent report they have commissioned.

An international consultancy firm were commissioned by the Cork Action Floods Committee (CFAC) to carry out an investigation into the causes of the floods. This report will be used by those affected by the flooding to commence legal proceedings against State Bodies that are seen as being potentially liable for the damage caused.

The CFAC represents more than 1,200 residents of Cork City who were affected by the flooding, and was set up to ensure that the these flood victims are able to recoup compensation for the damage caused to their homes. This is against a background of spiralling insurance premiums, delays in payment of compensation, low levels of compensation payments and increasing debt being incurred in order to facilitate repair work. The report is expected to focus on the actions of the various State Bodies at the time of the floods and how these actions affected the flood victims.

This independent report will be used in conjunction with the recommendations from the Oireachtas Environment Committee which are expected to be published in July. The Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee, Séan Fleming has already stated that the findings of the Committee will most likely lead to legal action.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dara Murphy, has criticised ESB for their handling of the flooding. He said that if improvements in relation to the management of water levels at the Inniscara Dam were not introduced, then the damn should be removed from ESB control. The ESB, along with Cork City and County Councils, has denied any liability for the flooding.

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