The state of commerce in Limerick has been a cause for concern, yet no one seems to pinpoint the exact issue at hand. It is widely recognized that transportation plays a crucial role in trade, and any hindrances in this aspect can greatly impact business. In Limerick, the Grand Canal serves as a connection to Dublin and the Midlands, facilitating the transport of goods. However, a peculiar practice hampers efficiency: instead of unloading cargo directly onto ships, large quantities of timber, for instance, are unloaded at the canal, reloaded onto cars, transported to the docks, unloaded again, and finally loaded onto ships. These multiple operations are slow and costly, adversely affecting trade.
A similar situation arises with the shipment of apples destined for Kilrush and other locations along the Lower Shannon. The current system follows a roundabout and outdated process that slowly but surely hampers trade. In any other city of Limerick’s importance, measures would have been taken to rectify this issue, even if it required overcoming engineering challenges. However, in this case, there are no significant obstacles. There is a continuous waterway from the canal to the docks, and all that is needed is to lower the sill of Boal’s Bridge, allowing small steamers to pass during specific tide conditions. The required expenditure would be relatively low, and the costs could be recouped through moderate dock dues, thus reducing the expenses currently incurred by cartage.
The matter was discussed at a Harbour Board meeting a couple of years ago, but the perceived expense deterred the commissioners, who merely delivered speeches without taking any action. Unless urgent issues like this are approached with a practical mindset, Limerick’s trade will never reach the levels befitting the city’s position.
In conclusion, it is essential for the authorities to address these challenges promptly and implement practical solutions. By doing so, Limerick’s trade potential can be fully realized, benefiting the city and its economy as a whole.
Dublin Evening Telegraph – Saturday 20 August 1904
