
The Limerick Harbour Board convened on Monday, with Mayor leading the proceedings. Among those present were Alderman Joyce, Member of Parliament; Alderman O’Brien; Messrs. I. C. Cleeve, W. Holliday, John F. Power, T. Doopellan, and John Hayes. Secretary John Boyd and Clerk H. V. Morcney were also in attendance, along with Fitzmaurice, the Harbour Master.
During the meeting, the Secretary reported that the ratepayers and importers lists were revised by Judge Adams without objections. The topic of discussion shifted to the unused bacon shed, previously occupied by Alderman O’Mura. It was regrettable that the shed could not fetch £40 per year. Mr Holliday suggested that the Steamship Company might have shown interest in acquiring it, but no applications had been received. The Secretary proposed contacting the bacon merchants to explore potential options.
In another development, the board received a resolution from the Dublin Ports and Docks Board, seeking collabouration to secure direct representation of Irish port authorities on the Irish Lights Board. Alderman Joyce advocated for the resolution’s adoption, emphasizing the need for unity among Irish harbor authorities and the Dublin Ports and Docks Board to push for the restructuring of the Irish Lights Board. Mr Holliday seconded the resolution, which was unanimously approved.
Mr Doonellan requested the secretary to provide him with the tonnage figures for various years and relevant details such as vessel names, consignees, and imported quantities of articles for 1884, 1889, 1893, and 1903. Mr Power pointed out an existing resolution prohibiting the disclosure of such information to traders to ensure fairness. Mr Doonellan questioned the need for such conservatism, stating that the English government had access to the data. Mr Power clarified that quantities and the number of ships (foreign and coastal) could be shared without divulging consignee names. However, Mr Doonellan expressed his intention to use the information for statistical comparisons. The mayor proposed seeking the board’s opinion on the matter, but Alderman Joyce dismissed the need for a vote and suggested that Mr Doonellan submit a motion to rescind the previous resolution against sharing the information.
Mr Holliday argued against revealing vessel names, emphasizing the need to protect his constituents’ (importers and exporters) interests. He emphasized his responsibility as their representative. Eventually, it was decided to adjourn the matter to the next meeting due to the time required to locate and review the relevant resolution.
In another decision, at Mr Power’s suggestion, the board agreed to redirect the Francis Street sewer further eastward to expand berthage capacity. Mr Power also inquired about the costs related to the removal of the wreck at Mathew Bridge, specifically whether Mr Twyford had paid for it. The Secretary informed the board that no response had been received from Mr Dundon, the solicitor. Mr Moroney added that Mr Twyford had additional wrecks at Arthur’s Quay, and mooring them had caused damage to the posts. The matter was referred to the Harbour Master for further consideration.
With that, the Limerick Harbour Board concluded its meeting and adjourned.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 18 October 1904