STORM EMMA
HAVING weathered all that Storm Emma had to throw at them, the management of Treacy’s Hotel in Templeshannon were unfortunately preparing for the worst from yesterday (Monday) morning as talks of flooding as a result of melting snow continued.
The staff at Treacy’s played a blinder during what is being called the worst snow storm to hit the country in 35 years and the hotel was able to provide accommodation for some of the emergency services and council staff so they could stay in town and continue to help out at the height of the storm.
The hotel was open for
business again from Saturday morning and owner Anton Treacy said that there was a wonderful atmosphere around the place as people helped each other out and made the most of the snow.
However, having experienced the devastating impact that flooding in Templeshannon can have on numerous occasions, yesterday morning all thoughts turned to the rising tide of the River Slaney.
‘Unfortunately the last time this happened, through nobody’s fault, we had very little notice of the flooding because the snow melted so quickly,’ owner Anton Treacy said.
‘ This time around, we figured it’s better to be safe and sorry. As everyone in Ennis- corthy will be aware, once you flood once, you can’t get insurance against it a second time, so we’re looking to take every precaution we can.’
On Monday morning, flood barriers were erected at the front of the hotel, ready to go and thoughts of local businesses and homes moved to the 4,500 sandbags which were ready to be deployed by Wexford County Council.
Speaking yesterday afternoon, Mr Treacy said that they were facing into a few days of uncertainty.
‘At the moment, we just don’t know what will happen,’ he said. ‘We’ve been told that if it does happen, it will most likely be on Tuesday or Wednesday. We’ll just have to wait and see.’