Minister Simon Coveney in Douglas on Monday.

Cork Minister Simon Coveney has said he believes the drainage system in Douglas was at fault for the flooding that caused havoc to householders and businesses in the area.
The Minister for Agriculture went on a tour of Douglas yesterday in advance of a Cabinet meeting today where the fallout from the flood will be discussed.
Speaking to the Evening Echo, he said the culvert in the village failed to work effectively — and that the authorities needed to ensure this problem was remedied.
“It is too early to say how we will be able to help businesses but that is what we will be trying to do. Clearly, businesses in Douglas should not have been flooded in this way. There are questions surrounding the culvert and the drainage system, and it does seem they did not work effectively. We need to find out exactly what happened so a repeat of this never happens again.”
It is just five days since Douglas village resembled a swamp, but already it is beginning to get back on its feet.
In the shopping centre, crews are working around the clock to repair the damage caused by the water that gushed through the mall, causing havoc to 50 premises.
Among those badly hit was Cork City FM, a community radio station run by volunteers. Station manager Donal Quinlan thought they would have to close for good when he first saw the extent of the destruction. However, they managed to get back on air last weekend — through using recorded programmes — and plan to broadcast live this Saturday and Sunday.
“Everything was wiped away, including the morale of the volunteers. But we will be back on air this weekend. We want to show the great spirit that is on display around here by getting back going as quickly as possible. If we can get back on air then hopefully that will act as a morale booster for the other traders in here”
Anyone who would like to donate carpet, computers, furniture or radio equipment to the station, phone Donal on 086-3094251.
In the village, work on gutting out Barry’s Bar has already begun. Owner Peter Collins said it will take three months to complete the works, with the damage coming to hundreds of thousands of euro. He said his focus now was on seeing the work through to the end.
Among the premises already reopened are Xtravision and De Barbers.
Meanwhile, Tom O’Connor, of South County, has urged Cork County Council to suspend the new pay-parking policy in the town.
He said: “As we try to re-cover in Douglas village from last Thursday’s ’flash flood’, I feel it has never been more important to announce to the public that Douglas is open for business and make it easy for people to shop and do business in the village.”
The Douglas Business Association is to hold a meeting this Thursday at 8pm in St Columbas Hall (Tinny Shed) so members can discuss concerns surrounding the flood.