Courts / Laois / Report
Flood waters like "a small tsunami", Laois man tells High Court
Summary
In a High Court hearing, Mr Chris Mahon of County Laois described how flood waters in November 2014 surged across his property like a "small tsunami," breaching the front door of his family home at Clonaheen, Mountmellick, after a local stream overflowed. He recalled hearing a cracking noise before the water rose to his boots, and that a family dog was rescued from the yard. The flooding caused extensive damage to the interior, yard, and drinking water supply, leaving the Mahons unable to obtain flood insurance. Mr Mahon, who became upset during testimony, said the council's 2007 culvert works were negligent, leading to a collapsed section that backed up water. He seeks damages and an injunction to repair the culvert, while the council denies negligence, attributing the floods to record rainfall. The case is before Mr Justice Paul McDermott, with mediation suggested.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Flood waters like "a small tsunami", Laois man tells High Court. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 2014 Incident
- August 2008 Incident
- 2017-02-07 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
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