The monthly meeting of the Limerick No. 2 (Clare) District Council was held on Saturday, with Mr Johnny McInerney, JP, presiding over the proceedings. Several members were present, including Messrs Patrick Fitzgerald, Bartholomew Skehan, James Keane, Patrick Stritch, Denis Carroll, John Madden, P. Lane, John O’Connell, Michael O’Curry, Denis K. McNamara, and Patrick Steiten. Also in attendance were Mr L.J. Guinane, the clerk; Mr John Lyan, solicitor; and Mr O’Malley, the engineer.
During the meeting, Mr Gilbert Miville raised concerns about the state of the bridge in Bridgetown, which had been in disrepair for some time. Mr Skehan expressed that the bridge’s current condition posed a danger. After discussing the matter, a letter from M. Dobbin & Co., surveyors for Clare, was read. The letter stated that on July 3rd, Daniel Slattery had been accepted as the contractor to repair the damages at a cost of £59. However, when the issue came before the County Council, they referred it back to the District Council as the amount was only £50. The work was now projected to be completed no earlier than November. In light of the sudden damage, it was recommended that the Council pass a resolution to have the repairs carried out immediately at the original cost of £59. Mr Ryan was tasked with contacting the county surveyor to expedite the repairs.
Mr Carroll submitted a notice of motion regarding Timothy O’Halloran of O’Shea’s Acres, stating that as he was a Post Office official and not a labourer, and subletting portions of the cottage plot, he should be charged £2 per week to ensure that ratepayers did not suffer any loss due to his occupancy. Mr Carroll argued that O’Halloran, who performed postal duties during the day, could not be considered a genuine labourer, and therefore, he should not be allowed to remain in possession. The discussion touched on the illegality of subletting the property. While some members voiced their support for Mr Carroll’s motion, others expressed their scepticism about the need for cottages in such cases, citing the lack of housing for legitimate labourers in the area.
Mr Lane drew attention to the Parteen pump, which had been out of repair for a considerable period, despite a contractor being assigned to the task. It was agreed that Mr Ryan should write to the contractor’s sureties, informing them that if the work was not completed within a fortnight, the Council’s engineer would intervene to ensure its completion.
In the absence of Mr M. Bourke, Mr Lane proposed increasing Relief Officer Skehan’s salary by £5 to cover postage and stationery expenses. The resolution was seconded by Mr Keane. Mr Ryan praised Mr Skehan as a deserving and dedicated official. An amendment to reject the increase was proposed but not seconded. Ultimately, it was agreed to grant Mr Skehan an increase of £3.
A letter from Mr Thomas P. Conba, postmaster of Cratloe, addressed the dangerous level crossing on the Great Southern and Western Railway leading to Croghane churchyard. Mr Conba recounted an incident where a train approached a funeral procession at high speed, narrowly avoiding tragedy. The crossing, though public, lacked a lock or key for the gates, enabling anyone to open them. The Council resolved to bring the matter to the attention of the Railway Company, suggesting the provision of a house for a gatekeeper or compensating Mr John Collins, who currently oversees the gates. It was unanimously agreed that the Railway Company should fulfil their responsibility in attending to the gates.
The meeting adjourned after discussing these important matters.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 16 August 1904
