Offers of help with painting, decorating, carpentry, storage and temporary accommodation are being made to help Clonakilty recover from last week’s flash flood disaster.
A joint initiative between the town council, chamber of commerce and local “favour exchange scheme” is co-ordinating a major voluntary effort to restore order to flood-damaged properties.
Some 35 members of the Clonakilty Favour Exchange have pledged free skills and labour, and a new website dedicated to the town’s flood relief is gathering further offers of help from the local community.
The scheme will focus on victims without flood insurance, the elderly and most vulnerable townspeople, and it is hoped the relief effort will swing into action next week.
"We were aware that the authorities locally – the town council and chamber of commerce – had a concern to co-ordinate any relief effort as efficiently as possible. We set up the website clonflood.comas a central communication point for the relief effort," said exchange spokeswoman Miriam Cotton.
Those interested in helping in any way – including donations of funds, goods or labour – can log on to the site and specify their intentions. Homeowners and businesses can click to ask for help with a description of what skills and equipment are required.
Mayor of Clonakilty Cionnaith O’Suilleabháin said the website is a “one stop shop” for offers such as moving vans, equipment and temporary accommodation for affected homeowners.
“We have at least three families left homeless by the flood and countless others in need of funding and practical help,” he said.
It’s hoped an appeal to the Irish diaspora will help boost funding to the flood relief bank account.
The GAA community is also expected to join the community effort following a call for assistance at a meeting on Monday night.