Some businesses in Downpatrick re-open after the flood
Downpatrick has experienced flooding over many decades but this recent flood was certainly the worst in living memory.
The resilient business community is already getting on its feet with some traders managing to open their premises and some having temporarily moved to keep trading.
As the first stage in the financial support comes through from Newry Mourne and Down District Council, life is starting to surge through the veins of the Downpatrick business community once again.
Some businesses were showing signs of positively facing up to the flood and getting opened quickly.
As Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant succeeded in re-opening quite quickly after a mammoth effort by staff, family and friends, everything seemed to be going well until they found their bookings diary for next year destroyed in the flood.
Murphy’s are appealing for anyone who has booked to re-contact the bar to confirm their details.
McCartan’s Shoes was badly affected by the flood losing carpets, display stands, stock, etc, but they have managed to pull some stock together and are now trading temporarily out of McCartan’s Sports for the medium term which was also flooded, but not quite as badly.
And the ever popular Oakley Fayre cafe also took the brunt of the flood and is moving to further up opposite on Market Street in the old Cafe 31 premises for the time being. Work is ongoing to get the cafe into shape.
Both the Santander and Danske Bank were flooded and quickly got behind their customers finding new temporary premises.
Their ATMs are now operating. Santander has an adviser upstairs in the Down Arts Centre in Scotch Street and round the corner Danske Bank have set up their stall on the first floor of 8-12 Irish Street to help support businesses and customers.
Check Out The Down News Facebook Photos Of The Early Openers After The Flood
Some businesses such as Pop Up Art, a mental health charity, were badly affected. Ailish Teague, a director of the charity, said: “We had just installed a £60,000 heating system and electrical works. We had increased the coffee bar space and improved the retail area too and made more room for the clients in the back of the premises.
“Unfortunately the flood water destroyed two fridges in the cafe, and we lost some stock. We were delighted with the response from our volunteers and friends who rallied round and helped us get open once again.
“We then had to re-contact the plumbers, electricians and builders to re-do the premises
“IThe flood has done a lot of damage to our premises but everyone has rallied round and we are almost back to where we should have been. The premises is painted out well and the clients are again enjoying their sessions with the furniture up-cycling and other support activities.
Lee Yhomas who works in JJ Donnelly Mens Wear facing Pop Up Art said: “We are back up in business again. At the moment we are doing flood sales and clearing out stock. That will run for a while yet. Then we can restock once again.”
Karen Knox who owns K-Chic Beauty Salon has moved temporarily to Market Street from St Patrick’s Avenue said: “Business is ticking over again but footfall is certainly down.
“It’s important to get the word out that businesses are trying to get on their feet again and people in Downpatrick need to shop local and support their Downpatrick traders who are under pressure at the minute.”
The Repair Lounge is also back up and running after a short closure. David Smyth said: “We are delighted to be open once more. We have a regular stream of customers who get their phones, iPads and computers fixed here in the workshop. We are functional but lucky to be open.
“We’ve had to rip up our floor and throw out a number of items. We have a dehumidifier running constantly to get rid of the damp that is still there.”
And Colman Magennis from Down Jewellers was also flooded out in St Patrick Square but has also managed to re-open. He said it was a struggle but was glad he could be open for his customers once again coming up to the festive time of year.”
Vogue ladies’ fashion has relocated temporarily from Market Street where the shop bore the brunt of the flood. It is now located in the Grove Gallery in the St Patrick Centre.
Also moved into the St Patrick Centre having been flooded, SpecsXpress is now open for business.
Meanwhile Dilly Dally house furnishings was also flooded out with Teggart and Sons. Dilly Dally has moved to further up Market Street while Teggart and Sons is refitting the hardware shop to re-open in the near future.
Flood water also damaged the rear parts of Gibney’s Wine Barrel and Gibney’s paint shop on St Patrick’s Avenue but again fighting adversity, the Gibney family pulled through and have managed to re-open both adjacent premises.
Quinn’s Estate Agents, Houston’s, and Hay’s Travel all managed to get back up and running too with relatively less damage, but there are still many businesses closed that suffered considerable impact from the flood. It may require a lot of capital to put these premises back into shape.
And many traders are looking over the horizon at where the next support grant may come from. Those affected by flood can get a couple of months rates’ free holiday.
Check Out The Down News Facebook Photos Of The Early Openers After The Flood
Check out the list of businesses (below) in the flood zone directly impacted by the flood. But virtually the whole Downpatrick business community will ultimately be affected.
Some businesses may be able to claw back some profit from the festive season, but others may not be so lucky and could be walking a tightrope in the first quarter of 2024.
(Note: this is a fluid situation and Down News will try and keep up to date with the changes.)
 A List Of Businesses Directly Impacted by the Downpatrick Flood
