In a recent meeting of the Limerick Harbour Commissioners, various matters concerning the harbor were discussed. Chaired by Mr A.W. Snaw, J.P., the meeting was attended by notable individuals such as James H. Roche, J.P., John Hayes, Alderman Daly, C Cieeve, William Holliday, James E. Goodbody, Mr J. Fitzmaurice (harbour master), Mr J. Boyd (secretary), and Mr H. Morcney (engineer).
The meeting began with the secretary reporting on a committee that had convened to determine the appropriate insurance policy for the harbour property. After thorough deliberation, the committee recommended specific sums for different items of property. Alderman Daly inquired about the difference in total from the previous report. The secretary explained that there would be an increase in insurance costs but assured that the premium would be relatively low, at one shilling and six pence per cent. The committee’s report was subsequently adopted.
Continuing with the agenda, the secretary informed the board that the draft lease for a portion of the field off Frederick Street, obtained by the Corporation for constructing workers’ dwellings, had been received from Mr Dundon, solicitor to the Corporation. The chairman sought clarification regarding Mr Dundon’s involvement in his dual role as solicitor for both the Harbour Board and the Corporation. The secretary clarified that Mr Dundon acted solely on behalf of the Borough Council in this instance. However, when submitting the lease, he would also represent the Harbour Board’s interests.
Concerning housing, Mr Hayes expressed his belief that similar houses should be built in his section of the field. Alderman Daly agreed with this suggestion, emphasizing the importance of equal treatment. Mr Moroney interjected, stating that he would need to review the plans for approval initially.
A letter from the Board of Trade, which sanctioned the pilotage bye-laws, was read by Mr Boyd. He explained that the matter had been delayed for two years but had recently been addressed after his efforts in London. Mr Boyd also discussed the schedule of rates, specifying that it only applied to pilotage dues for vessels with a registered tonnage of 2,000 tons. However, larger vessels of two to three thousand tons were now arriving in Limerick. Therefore, it was suggested that the register of 3,000 tons should be included in the provisional order to be requested. The Pilot Committee was tasked with addressing this matter.
During the meeting, Mr Goodbody raised a concerning incident involving a vessel that had encountered difficulties while navigating the river. He expressed his suspicion that the absence of Captain Fitzmaurice on board the tug was to blame. Mr Goodbody suggested referring the matter to the pilot committee for further investigation, a proposition that the chairman agreed with, acknowledging the seriousness of the issue.
Limerick Harbour Commissioners were met with disappointment as they received a letter from the Under Secretary declining their request for a subsidy to support a Limerick steamer’s trade between Limerick and southwestern ports. The letter explained that a subsidy had been granted to the Clyde Shipping Company, based in Cork, for their steamer service along the southwestern coast. However, the Limerick steamer did not meet the criteria as a common carrier, unlike the vessel operated by the Clyde Company.
The chairman, accompanied by Mr Holliday, engaged in a discussion regarding the content of the letter, acknowledging the strong argument made against granting a subsidy to the Limerick steamer. Mr Holliday suggested that it would be prudent to wait and see if the Limerick Steamship Company would come forward and meet the conditions outlined by the Clyde Company. The commissioners agreed to take this course of action.
The territory affected by this subsidy request was deemed to be as significant to Limerick as it was to Cork, prompting Mr Holliday to emphasize the importance of equal facilities and advantages for Limerick. However, the chairman highlighted the fact that the main issue raised against their request was the steamer’s inability to operate at regular intervals, a significant criterion for receiving a subsidy.
Mr Goodbody chimed in, stating that it was pointless to further discuss the matter at present. Meanwhile, the chairman noted that they would need to ascertain if the Limerick Steamship Company was prepared to operate under the same conditions as the Clyde Company, thereby ensuring a fair comparison. Mr Holliday expressed his belief that Limerick deserved equal treatment and the same opportunities as Cork, given that the affected territory was equally important to both regions.
The commissioners concluded that they would wait to gauge the Limerick Steamship Company’s willingness to meet the conditions set by the Clyde Company. If the company demonstrated its readiness, further discussions would be held on the matter. The potential impact on business at Limerick port was evident, prompting the commissioners to thoroughly examine the situation to facilitate and enhance port operations.
As the meeting drew to a close, the commissioners addressed various additional topics. They discussed the possibility of establishing a quarantine station at Limerick, highlighting the urgent need for such a facility. The previous arrangement included two separate boarding stations for quarantine and customs purposes, causing inconvenience and added expenses. After careful consideration, it had been decided that Cappa would serve as the single boarding station for all purposes, including quarantine and boarding.
The commissioners also received a report acknowledging the heroic efforts of Mr Horrigan, a Harbour Board employee, and Constables Casey and Daly, who rescued a person from drowning in the river. Mr Goodbody, however, considered the incident to be rather commonplace, as it involved throwing a rope to the person in distress. Nevertheless, the commissioners agreed that further communication with the rescued individual was necessary to gather additional details.
With the meeting concluded, the board members adjourned, leaving behind a range of important matters to be addressed in subsequent discussions and actions.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 02 December 1902
