The Guardians of Limerick recently assembled to examine the relief lists, and a discussion ensued about the increasing expenditure under the head of outdoor relief in the Union. The Clerk stated that the amount being spent reached £3,000 per year, with outdoor relief costs surpassing those in Killarney and Newcastle Unions combined. Mrs. Foran deemed the relief demoralizing and suggested that genuinely deserving cases might suffer amidst this excessive expenditure.

The Chairman highlighted the extent of abuse in the town’s relief process, with individuals taking undue advantage of the system. Mr Scanlan expressed a desire to make the relief a divisional charge again, stating that it might be included in the new Bill. The Chairman brought up the idea of giving the option of housing support to determine an individual’s true need for relief.

In other matters, the Guardians received a letter from the Great Southern & Western Railway Company (G.S&W.R.) regarding ongoing efforts to provide better facilities for transporting cattle for the Listowel fairs. Additionally, the Irish Forestry Society urged the Board to pass a resolution appealing to the government about the need to develop the County’s forestry resources, which was adopted with one dissenting vote.

Due to insufficient attendees to form a quorum, the District Council meeting was not held.

Kerry News – Friday 09 January 1903