In a recent meeting of the Glin School Board, a contentious debate unfolded regarding a sewerage issue that has sparked tensions between the board and the Glin District Council. As the matter awaits resolution, it is evident that the School Board’s refusal to bear the financial burden of its actions has become a point of contention.

The primary concern revolves around the School Board’s failure to address the consequences of their own actions. Their engineer has acknowledged that a significant quantity of water, sewage, and other waste materials originating from the schools is being discharged directly onto the Strand at Glin. This practice has rendered the proposed sewerage extension both necessary and urgent. However, the School Board now expects the taxpayers of the four electoral divisions within the Glin Rural District to foot the bill, amounting to £160, while only contributing a mere £40 themselves.

It is worth recalling that when the School Board sought permission from the Listowel Guardians to connect their new sewerage system with the Glin public sewer, thereby saving a substantial sum, the Listowel Board (the then Sanitary Authority) granted their request with the stipulation that the connection could be severed if deemed necessary. Now, as the Glin District Council, the current Sanitary Authority, requests a fair contribution from the School Board to cover the costs of the extension, the School Board responds with indifference, as revealed in your comprehensive report.

Perhaps this high-handed approach towards the four electoral divisions was intended as a retaliatory measure for other grievances on that particular day. Nevertheless, the notion that the School Board, whose taxable area encompasses the entirety of County Limerick and parts of neighbouring counties such as Kerry and Clare, seeks to impose such a burdensome expense solely on Glin is both absurd and intolerable.

Addressing the matter of cost-effectiveness, I dutifully presented the proposed length and diameter of the sewer pipe to my council, who subsequently appointed a committee to inspect the site. Taking all relevant circumstances into account, I must commend them for adopting a fair and pragmatic standpoint. Against my advice, they approached the School Board, only to be met with disdain reminiscent of King Primpeh or a Bashaw of Tripoli.

Referring to your report, Mr Leahy argued for a ten-inch pipe extending 280 feet, while asserting that a twelve-inch pipe reaching a distance of 350 feet was the appropriate choice. Dismissing the discrepancy as inconsequential, he estimated the additional cost at a mere £9. However, let us perform a simple proportional calculation: if 350 is to 280, then £160 is to x, the difference of which, according to the Board of Management of the Glin District Schools, amounts to a trifling £9. Needless to say, even this sum holds significance for the four Electoral Divisions located in the most impoverished area of County Limerick.

I will reserve further points for discussion during the upcoming council meeting. While our council may be small, it is reminiscent of Japan today—capable of standing up for itself against the perceived bullying tactics employed by the School Board in order to protect our ratepayers. In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to you, Mr Editor, and urge the School Board to delve into the realm of arithmetic, as it appears to be of great importance.

Yours faithfully,

F. C. Hartigan, B.E.,
Engineer, Glin District Council,
April 2, 1904

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 05 April 1904