Bridge Tavern reopens after flooding damage
THE BRIDGE TAVERN was able to reopen for business on Saturday despite extensive flooding of the premises the night before.
The recently renovated bar and restaurant was overcome with water on Friday night and had to close as Bachelors Walk was submerged by over two foot of water in places.
The area had to be closed off by the Gardaí, while council staff, the Civil Defence, Fire Services and members of the public all helped to minimise the damage and address the flooding problem.
Cllr. Garrett O’Reilly, along with Cllr. Irene Winters, was one of the volunteers trying to hold back the flood waters and clean-up any damage already caused. He was full of praise for the efforts shown by members of the public.
‘ There was a great sense of community spirit. People were brilliant and showed up after hearing of the flooding. There were plenty of volunteers helping to clean up businesses which had been flooded, which was very heartening to see. People spent the whole night cleaning up the Bridge so it could open again on Saturday.’
Staff and volunteers worked until 5.30 a.m. on Saturday morning to ensure the Bridge Tavern was open for business again at 2 p.m.. Bridge Street Books was flooded as well but was also able to open back up again on Saturday.
As well as thanking all the volunteers involved in the clean-up operation, Cllr. O’Reilly also offered thanks to Wicklow Fire Services, the Civil Defence, Hopkins Hardware and council members of staff, particularly John DeCourcey, Brian O’Toole and Aidan Doyle.
Cllr. O’Reilly, a former member of the Fire Services, maintains that people shouldn’t worry about contacting the Fire Services during periods of flooding if they have a genuine concerns.
On Friday night some residents affected by flood waters were reluctant to call out the Fire Services in case they were landed with the bill.
Cllr. O’Reilly says, ‘We have a very progressive and professional Fire Service. If there is a threat to property or to life then there shouldn’t be any hesitation in contacting the Fire Services. If it is an emergency then the Fire Services should be called straight away.’