An inquiry was held at the Town Hall regarding Mr James Dalton’s application to the Corporation for a loan of £300 under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act. The inquiry was conducted by Mr A.D. Price, Local Government Engineering Inspector, and attended by various officials including representatives from the Corporation, City Surveyor, and City Treasurer. Mr F.M. Fitt, the solicitor, represented the applicant.

The Inspector stated that the inquiry had been directed by the Local Government Board and had been duly advertised. As there were no objections, it was deemed a non-contestable matter. The Town Clerk confirmed that no objections had been received.

The Corporation’s representative, Mr John Dundon, stated that while the Corporation had tried to secure other applications under the Act, they had been unsuccessful. He also mentioned difficulties in obtaining loans from the Treasury for building projects due to borrowing limits. However, they had found alternative funding sources like the Provincial Bank.

The Inspector inquired about the applicant’s prospects of receiving the loan from the Treasury. Mr Dundon expressed hope that the Treasury would approve the application, but if not, they would seek funding elsewhere.

During the inquiry, sworn testimony was provided by the Town Clerk, who confirmed that the application had been before the Corporation multiple times. The City Surveyor, Mr J.J. Peacocke, inspected the applicant’s house and valued it at £305. He described it as a new two-story building with good sanitary facilities and a shop for selling provisions.

The City Treasurer, Mr Michael Woulfe, provided information on the Corporation’s outstanding loans and borrowing powers. He also mentioned the rates for different purposes and stated that the loans were being paid off annually.

The Inspector inquired about the applicant’s financial situation and the potential impact of interest rates on the loan repayment. Mr Woulfe suggested that if the Treasury refused the application, they could approach the Provincial Bank for a loan at a 4% interest rate. This would result in the applicant paying a rent of £27 10s, including the loan repayment and interest.

The applicant, Mr Dalton, confirmed his intention to purchase the house with a £300 loan from the Corporation, and he would provide the remaining balance to pay the landlord.

Following the inquiry, the Inspector, City Surveyor, and Mr Dalton visited the premises to assess the property firsthand.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 09 August 1904