Donations are already pouring in.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Cork businesses affected by this morning’s flood in the city centre.

On a day when many were planning on working out a way to trade through the Level 5 lockdown beginning on Wednesday, many local business owners found themselves dealing with a deluge of water and a major clean-up effort this morning.

“Businesses which were already hit by Covid-19 restrictions are now facing clean-up and repair costs after this morning’s high-tide swamped low-lying areas of the city centre,” said Cian Power, who set up the fundraiser.

Water is pouring down Oliver Plunkett St at 8.48am this morn.

Your heart goes out to city’s traders so pls folks, when we get the place cleaned up #shoplocal like never before @LEOCorkCity @CBA_cork @CorkChamber #COVID19ireland pic.twitter.com/a94vxhYg4j

— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) October 20, 2020

“This GoFundMe is set up as a relief fund for those affected by the floods and the Level 5 restrictions to hit at midnight tonight. Money is aimed to be used for food packages, assistance with repairs, PPE and necessities. All donations will be directed to the local Saint Vincent de Paul.

“Any donations will help many business and households affected by the flooding and restrictions.”

The fund has already raised almost half of its target of €1000 (you can donate here).

Work continues on the worst-hit streets

The Cork City Council Flood Assessment Team, working with Met Éireann, does not predict further flooding at high tide times later this evening and tomorrow morning.

“Waters have receded although there is still some ponding on Oliver Plunkett Street and its sides streets. City Council Operations crews, Civil Defence and Fire Service are on site with jet vacs and pumps to remove water.” said a City Council spokesperson.