As is evidenced by recent storms, the weather in Ireland has become warmer and wetter. And it is very changeable. Storms seem to have become more frequent and more damaging – at least at a local level. While we do not have the devastation of wildfires, we are getting storm damage and flooding much more often.
Almost every few weeks we hear of areas of storm damage and flooding. Photographs taken with drone technology capture the destructive scale of flood and storm devastation. During the height of the Celtic Tiger – in some areas flood plains were built upon, so there is an existing number of homes that are always going to be vulnerable.
Before and during the Christmas period we experienced major swings in temperature. We saw temperatures fluctuate between minus six to plus eight degrees – a swing of 14 degrees. While Ireland has always had changeable weather it is getting more unpredictable. The weather patterns of the four seasons are not what they used to be. Instead of four fairly distinct seasons, it seems that we have a very short winter and summer and a much longer spring and autumn. Most weather forecasters say that the country has become warmer and wetter – and that this trend will continue. In the main they are of the opinion that we will largely have to adapt our homes and businesses to this.
In early December, the Feale River in Kerry burst its banks and flooded 85 houses in Listowel (see image below and on following page). Many of these homes were very badly flooded with up to two feet of water and the occupants had to pack up their belongings and move. A tall order at any time, but even more difficult in the midst of a housing crisis. In order to become liveable again many of these houses will need to be stripped back to a builder’s finish costing their owners €100,000 to €150,000. And the occupants may not be able to return for months. Badly affected houses cannot be sold, and insurance may be difficult to obtain.
The flooding in Kerry was caused by a mix of unusual weather and a lack of preparedness. Snow was melted by very intense and heavy rains and the ensuing torrent caused the water level to rise and the river to burst its banks. The effects could have been at least mitigated had parts of the river been dredged but locals say this had not been done for a number of years. Youghal is more used to flooding. In Youghal, some houses have risen their doors and many have put in either homemade or customised flood defences.
From an insurance viewpoint, the news is very sobering. The insurance companies are going by geocoding. This determines insurance cover and puts it into three categories – claims covered, excluded, or included with an increase in excess.
In parts of Cork City – flood cover is not offered as flooding there is considered to be a probability, rather than a possibility.
So, what are the implications for the hardware and merchanting sector? What products do we need to stock, or stock more of for us to help customers and local authorities and civil powers in times of a weather crisis?
Products to prevent flooding
In the main this is the preserve of the local authorities – to ensure that flood defences such as flood barriers are in place and working and that drains and gullies are clear. One merchant spoken to takes it upon himself to clear the drains near him, as he maintains that the local authority simply do not have the personnel to do it.
Unsurprisingly sandbags are important, and it is essential to have an adequate amount and perhaps even a bagging machine on premises. Signage is also key to help during a flood.
After the flood/storm
For those who have to start almost from scratch – those at a builder’s finish – hardware shops and merchants will already have most of the requisite products. There is an increase in demand for camping stoves and heaters, chainsaws, torches and batteries.
De-humidifiers also have a role to play, apparently at present one of the largest suppliers has run short, perhaps indicating the level of demand at present.
If your area has been adversely affected by recent storms or flooding please get in touch with The Hardware Journal to continue the conversation. Devastating as these events are, as business owners, we owe it to our customers and community to provide solutions.
Thanks to Tony Flavin, Cal Flavin’s Topline, Youghal, Eoghan McEnery, MAC Hardware & Farm Supplies, Listowel & Abbeyfeale, Eoin Lynch, D.Lynch & Sons Homevalue, Portumna and David Lombard, O’Leary Insurances, Clonakilty.
