Newry Chamber President Julie Gibbons advises 'stay out of Newry' whilst flood situation continues

Newry Chamber President Julie Gibbons has advised everybody to 'stay out of Newry' and 'do not enter flooded premises' following an emergency meeting.

In a statement to the press, Gibbons gave the latest update at around 1pm on Tuesday afternoon.

It read: 'Myself and Vice President, Edwina Flynn along with other business representatives in the local area have just finished an emergency meeting with Marie Ward, CEO of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in regard to the current flooding in Newry. 'The key points for businesses to be aware of currently are:

• Please stay out of Newry

• Do not enter flooded premises

• Do not attempt to turn off your electric in flooded premises

• Please await further instructions from the relevant agencies

'The Council is working in partnership with all government agencies to deal with the continuing emergency. The next major risk period is the high tide at 1pm today and they are working to raise the level of the wall adjacent to Newry Town Hall in order to try to protect premises on Hill Street.

'If your property is at immediate risk and you require sand bags, please contact the flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100. This number is available 24 hours a day.

'The advice on insurance is businesses should immediately contact their insurance company directly to see if they are covered for flood damage under their policy.

'The Chamber has raised the urgent need for compensation for businesses given the scale of the devastating damage caused by the flooding overnight.

'Newry Chamber will continue to work tirelessly together with other key stakeholders and collectively as a business community to recover from this and bounce back and if you require any assistance, please contact us via [email protected].

'The Chamber will issue a further update will issued when it is available.'