Wexford Boat Club counting the cost of storm damage – ‘It could cost €30,000 to fix the pontoon’

The morning after Wexford was battered by strong winds and heavy rains was a busy one for the Vice Commodore. The forecast had been noted by all associated with the club, but few of them expected to see the level of damage which greeted them early on Monday.

"The pontoon is in a bad way out there," Joe said. "The court end wasn't too bad, but the pontoon bore the brunt of it.

"I'd say we'll need to get professionals in to sort it out and it could cost us between €30,000 and €40,000 to put it right."

It wasn't the only damage either. Joe noted that at least one boat was left underwater following the storms, while several engines were lost too.

Parts of the tennis courts were completely submerged for a time, but Joe is hopeful that not too much damage was caused there.

While the boat club is insured, with the clean-up under way, Joe wasn't feeling to hopeful of a resolution on that front.

"When we had damage to the pontoon before, they had divers out and everything and they wanted a whole load of things in order to pay out," he said. "I'd say it will be the same this time. It's probably one that the club will end up having to take on the chin again."

Wexford Harbour was certainly wild during the course of the orange warning from Met Éireann. Videos circulating on social media showed over-topping on Wexford Quay front, while local landmark the Ballast Bank in the harbour was almost completely submerged.

Meanwhile, homes across the county were left without power for varying lengths of time and there were reports of several instances of spot flooding and trees and poles blocking Wexford roads.