Storm Desmond -- Body found in river as flood defences come under scrutiny (HD)

• published: 08 Dec 2015
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Elderly victim of Storm Desmond named as Irish showband singer Ivan Vaughan Mr Vaughan sang with a band called the Plattermen, and performed under the stage name Simon Scott Storm Desmond claimed its first victim after the body of an elderly man was found in flood waters in Co Monaghan. And, as the clean-up from the record-breaking storm continues, flood-hit communities are bracing themselves for yet more damage with rain and gale force winds expected to lash the country tomorrow. Limerick, Clare and parts of the Shannon basin are again on high flood alert. The flood threat has been complicated by necessary release of water by the ESB from below Parteen Weir. Westmeath County Council has triggered its emergency response plan amid fears of flooding in Athlone. Flooding is now also expected in the environs of Cork city as the ESB confirmed increased discharges from both the Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid reservoirs. Meanwhile the first victim of Storm Desmond was named last night as Ivan Vaughan (70) from Caledon, Co Tyrone. Mr Vaughan was a showband singer with a band called the Plattermen, and performed under the stage name Simon Scott. The elderly musician was reportedly playing more concerts as a one-man band of late. He is understood to have been travelling home from a gig in Glaslough, Co Monaghan, on Sunday night when his car became stuck in floods. It is believed that Mr Vaughan was swept away as he attempted to leave his car. Locals have said that he was a "great singer" and a "great performer" and that he will be sadly missed in the area. Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Tom Elliott said he was saddened by the singer's death. "Ivan was well known in music circles for over four decades," he said. "He played in many of the leading showbands in the 60s and 70s and was a hugely popular and highly respected figure. "He went under the stage name of Simon Scott and was especially well known in the Cookstown and Dungannon areas where he was extremely popular. "He moved to Caledon in recent years and was held in the highest esteem by everyone who knew him and I extend our deepest sympathies to the entire family circle at this tragic time." Homeowners and business people in the south, west and north of the country are already counting the cost of the most destructive storm so far this winter. Details emerged last night of the Government's flood package, which will include an initial €5m for emergency flood works and the allocation of funds from the Department of Social Protection for hardship payments. For farmers, restrictions on the movement of cattle and other livestock from flooded land have been lifted. This followed a meeting between the IFA and Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney. Also included in the package is the dispensation of funds from the Office of Public Works (OPW) which will allow councils to claim up to €500,000 for flood works. "This situation is unfolding so the €5m in emergency funding is just an initial amount," said a Government source. A memo is set to go to Cabinet this morning from OPW minister Simon Harris which will outline the scale of the damage. Irish Independent