Update on Recovery from Flooding

DONEGAL County Council have released an update on roads, diversions and accommodation for families impacted by last months flooding.

Summary of new updates
· R240 at Riverside to open at 6pm this evening but will not be suitable for HGVs.
· R238 at Three Trees expected to open at 6pm on Thursday evening.
· Local diversions not suitable for HGVs – HGVs being asked to use main roads (see below).
· Swan Park remains closed to public and public urged not to visit park as it is unsafe due to flood damage.
· Accommodation solutions have been found for 21 families displaced by the floods

Roads Update
Since the severe flooding on the 22nd August, Donegal County Council has been working to have the priority regional routes in Inishowen open as soon as possible and below is an update on the status of these roads:

· R240 at Riverside between Quigleys Point and Carndonagh – temporary bailey bridge installed and will be open to single lane traffic at 6pm this evening (Wednesday). There is a 20 tonne weight restriction on this road and for this reason it is not suitable for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

· R238 at Three Trees between Muff and Quigleys Point will be open to two way traffic on Thursday evening at 6pm.

· R244 at Craignahorna on the Mountain Road between Buncrana and Carndonagh remains closed. It is not feasible to reopen this road in the short term. Local diversions remain in place.

Local diversions not suitable for HGV’s
Local diversions for these regional roads are not suitable for Heavy Goods Vehicles and the Council is asking that HGVs use the following:

· Buncrana to Ballyliffin to Clonmany to Carndonagh route or
· Muff to Quigleys Point to Moville to Carndonagh route.

Rural roads
A number of rural roads across the peninsula remain closed and are likely to remain closed for a number of weeks. Local diversions are in place. These roads include the following:

L-1891-2 – Eskaheen Road to chapel

L-1381-2 – Meendacalliagh/Evishbreedy: Illies to Glentoghter

L-53912 – Annagh

L-7451-1 – Drumskillen Road

L-7631-3 – Glenbridge Road

L-7641-1 – Gortcormacan

L-7681-1 – Lowertown Road/Gortcormacan

L-7761-2 – Knowhead Road/Calfwarn

The Council is continuing to identify and cost design solutions to repair the extensive damage caused to the 1500km road network is Inishowen. To date in excess of 425 issues have been identified. Road users are being asked to continue to exercise extreme care when using these roads.

Swan Park
Swan Park remains closed to the public due to extensive damage caused by the recent floods. The park is unsafe and we are advising members of the public not to visit the park.

Housing Assistance
The Council’s Housing Service is continuing to provide support and assistance to those affected by the floods.

To date 50 families have registered with Donegal County Council and at this stage, solutions been found for 21 families. In many of these cases, this is an interim solution until such times as they are in a position to move back to their home. Some have already moved to their new accommodation, and in other cases arrangements are being finalised or the Council is awaiting responses to offers made. 5 further cases are still being addressed, and the remaining cases do not required action at this time.

Information Leaflet
An information leaflet has been delivered to each home in Inishowen setting out information on supports and assistance available to those affected by flooding and will be of particular use to those who do not have access to the internet.

Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Support Scheme
Applications for financial assistance received by the Irish Red Cross are currently being processed. This scheme is available for small businesses and community, voluntary and sporting bodies who do not have insurance in place. Application forms are available at https://www.redcross.ie/news-and- events/Donegal+humanitarian+flooding+assistance/.

Clean Up Assistance
The Council is also aware that other areas in the county including Raphoe, Rathmullan and Bundoran were affected by recent floods and any household, business, sports clubs or community organisation affected in these areas can also access supports and assistance. Anyone who requires help with clean-ups or who need skips and/or dehumidifiers should contact Donegal County Council at 074 91 53900.

Counselling Service
Experiencing flooding in your home or business can be very distressing. If you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed at the moment, call the dedicated HSE Helpline for Flooding on 074 91 67558 from 9am to 5pm on 07491 67558 or call the Samaritans at 116 123.

Donations
The Irish Red Cross has agreed to receive donations to help assist those affected by the recent floods. You can make a donation at www.redcross.ie/donate or by calling 1850 50 70 70

Anyone affected by the recent floods can contact the Council by calling into our offices or by calling 074 91 53900 during opening hours or 074 91 72288 during out of hours.

You can also keep up to date by following Donegal County Council on Facebook or on Twitter @DonegalCouncil.

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