Tributes Paid To Flash Flood Victims

Ireland has paid tribute and extended sympathy to the families of the two killed during flash floods in the east of the country.

Garda Ciaran Jones was swept into the River Liffey and a Filipino woman was killed after her basement flat became submerged in water.

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore described the deaths as "two great tragedies that cast a cloud over the day".

The body of the first of the flood victims, 25 year-old Garda Jones, was pulled from the River Liffey close to where he was swept away on Monday night after an extensive search on Tuesday.

The officer was trying to aid motorists after flash floods wreaked havoc in the east of Ireland when he was pulled into the river in Co Wicklow. Search and rescue located his body in the early hours of the morning.

Superintendent Eamon Keogh, of Blessington Garda Station, said Garda Jones – a member of the force for about four years – was pulled into the river while trying to come to the aid of a motorist.

"He was seen for a few moments by friends and then he wasn't seen again," he said.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter said "all of us have lost a brave man who put his life at risk in helping the public at a time of great danger".

On behalf of all members of the Garda Representative Association, GRA President Damien McCarthy issued the following statement on the news of the death of Garda Ciaran Jones.

"It is with great sadness and sorrow that members of An Garda Síochána have learned of the tragic death of Garda Ciaran Jones. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his parents, family, friends and colleagues.

"Garda Jones was a spirited, brave and committed young man who risked his life to save others, and in the course of doing so he made the ultimate sacrifice. He was one of the most popular members in Stepaside Garda Station and was genuinely loved and respected by the community he served. His colleagues are deeply shocked.

"He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all who knew him."

Elsewhere the body of a Filipino woman believed to be in her 30s was found in a flooded basement in Dublin.

Neighbours raised the alarm at around 11pm on Monday night.

"A preliminary search of the basement was carried out by the Garda Water Unit at about 1am with negative results," a garda statement said.

"The body of a female was located on Tuesday morning when water was pumped from the basement by Dublin Fire Brigade."

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: "I would like to tender my sympathies to the families of those who unfortunately have lost their lives."

(LB/GK)