Statement from Bishop John Buckley on recent flooding in Cork city
Bishop John Buckley, Bishop of Cork and Ross, has expressed his continuing support for those who were affected by the recent flooding in Cork city. Bishop Buckley said that over the past few weeks, he has heard and seen, first hand, of the devastation that occurred. He said that it was heart-breaking to see family homes and commercial premises destroyed and, with it, the confidence and sense of security of those who saved, built and lived in them. It was also terrible, Bishop Buckley said, to see business people who were trying to operate in very difficult circumstances, having to face yet another battle to save their business and family income.
Bishop Buckley added that insurance companies have a moral obligation to pay out to those who paid insurance premiums for the damage quickly, so that people could get back to normal. It appears that many have not been given the go-ahead to carry out the necessary repairs yet and this is an added injury to those whose homes and properties were destroyed. He also called on the State authorities to intervene and establish a similar scheme to that which was devised in the aftermath of the Dublin flooding last year. Bishop Buckley welcomed the discussion that the Cabinet was due to hold in that regard.
ENDS
For media contact: Rev Tom Deenihan, Cork and Ross, 021 4301717 and Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long 00353 (0) 86 172 7678
