The owner flooded shop in Oranmore, County Galway has said he is just relieved no one was killed by Storm Debi.

Over the weekend, Met Éireann issued a Status Red warning and on Monday, people awoke to scenes of utter devastation. 

Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast, Oran Decor and DIY owner Michael White said he has been trying to keep everything in perspective. 

“While the shop was devastated with water, the most important thing was that no one was hurt or injured or killed in any shape or form,” he said. 

“It is what it is; water came in – I opened the door yesterday about 8am and two feet of water ran out under my feet.”

Oran Decor and DIY. Picture by: Michael White.

Mr White said the support of locals was “absolutely fantastic” and he will always be immensely grateful to the 30 people who came out to help him with the cleanup. 

“I’ll never be able to thank them enough for it,” he said. 

“People came in off the street, stopped their cars, came in before work, after work. 

“Just phenomenal the support.” 

Much of Mr White’s stock is now ruined and he spent most of Monday throwing it away into several large skips.

“Once water kicks into stuff, it’s destroyed,” he said. 

“How much stock is gone? I don’t know. I just have to evaluate that today and sit down and have a look at it.”

Oran Decor and DIY. Picture by: Michael White.

The shop is now looking a “hell of a lot better than it was” and Mr White is determined to get back to normal. 

“We’re going to try and reopen as soon as possible,” he said. 

“The local community needs a shop like mine in Oranmore, so it’s important for the community for it to be back open again.

“And just to give back to the people who came in yesterday, you know what I mean? I can’t thank them enough for that.” 

Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney said his Department will “act quickly” to help those businesses that are not covered by insurance.

You can listen back here: