State-owned generator ESB is facing a torrent of lawsuits – 387 at the last count – because of its role in flooding in Cork in 2009.

Two years ago, a judge ruled that the generator was 60% liable for extensive damage to several university buildings. This was after Cork University, which brought a claim on behalf of its insurer Aviva, argued the way the company released water from two hydroelectric dams after heavy rainfall in November 2009 led to unnecessary extra flooding in the city and caused substantial damage.