Business owners in Downpatrick described the devastation caused by recent flooding as “soul-destroying” as they were finally able to enter their premises. Heavy rain last week caused the nearby River Quoile to burst its banks and saw some buildings flooded almost to their roofs.
“There was food everywhere that had come out of the fridges and was floating on the water … We had some cameras and we were able to see some of that,” he said.The front of house and kitchen of the cafe were destroyed, with damaged appliances piled up at the back of the premises. Mr Kearney said the damage and loss of earnings for his business is estimated to be in the region of £120,000.
Mr Kearney said substantial financial support will need to be given to businesses in the town to enable them to reopen. “The majority of businesses in Downpatrick would all be independent traders and they would be looking for that support,” Mr Kearney said. “If you look at the marshes and look at the Quoile, and stuff that hasn’t maybe been maintained the way it should be maintained over the last number of years,” he said.