THE highest water levels for close on half a century were recorded in some areas of Kerry during the recent floods which destroyed many parts the county in December.
Kerry County Council officials estimate that at least €4 million worth of damage was caused in public areas and the cost of providing staff to fight the floods carried an additional €400,000 price tag.
A Red Alert rainfall on the weekend of December 4/5 resulted in the highest water levels recorded in some local areas since 1975.
In Killarney the River Flesk burst its banks and several businesses, private homes, sporting amenities and other locations ended up under unprecedented levels of water.
Glenflesk was particularly badly hit and numerous homes and businesses in Kenmare also suffered while Ross Castle in Killarney is still flooded.
The striking video footage featured below was captured at Ross Castle by Terry MacSweeney, an amateur photographer based in Milltown, who is a member of Killarney Camera Club. This video was taken on December 13 with his wife, Erina, steering the canoe and his friends, Joe and his son Donal Brennan, in the other canoe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlTYvVlFf3c&feature=youtu.be
Kerry County Council statistics reveal that close on 50 houses were flooded, 17 homes were evacuated and well over 500 dwellings were inaccessible due to flooded roads.
A 250-strong emergency crew, involving fire fighters, civil defence and road crews were tasked to respond to the frightening flooding over over 18,000 sandbags were filled and distributed.
