During a council meeting chaired by Mr C. C. O’Rourke, a heated debate ensued over the use of direct labour for road construction in the district. Mr Walsh asserted that major road contractors were struggling financially and lacked the necessary resources, suggesting that the responsibility should lie with the Council until they could devise a proper scheme for direct labour. He argued that this approach would be more cost-effective than the imperfect current system, which was likely to incur greater expenses. Mr Hanrahan agreed, adding that direct labour had proven successful in Limerick, where he had seen projects completed at half the present price.

Amidst differing opinions, Mr Maleaire spoke in favor of direct labour, emphasizing its advantages. He believed that local workers should be capable of performing the work as efficiently as those in Limerick and that direct labour should receive fair consideration over contractors. He criticized the maintenance of certain roads by contractors, stating that the quality of work was subpar, evidenced by frequent soling issues.

Mr Fitzgerald disagreed with Mr Maleaire’s claims, stating that he had not heard of an opportunity for direct labour previously. However, Mr Coughlan recalled a previous proposal by Mr M. J. Nolan at the Courthouse, which suggested selecting specific roads for direct labour and was agreed upon.

During the meeting, Mr Mulcaire spoke in favor of direct labour, emphasizing its advantages. He believed that local workers should be capable of performing the work as efficiently as those in Limerick and that direct labour should receive fair consideration over contractors. He criticized the maintenance of certain roads by contractors, stating that the quality of work was subpar, evidenced by frequent soling issues.

Mr Fitzgerald disagreed with Mr Mulcaire’s claims, stating that he had not heard of an opportunity for direct labour previously. However, Mr Coughlan recalled a previous proposal by Mr M. J. Nolan at the Courthouse, which suggested selecting specific roads for direct labour and was agreed upon.

Mr Harnett reiterated the need to put the roads under contract but acknowledged that roads approved for direct labour could not be implemented until three years from October 1st, except for those already approved by the County Council, which would be included in the scheme starting in October.

The discussion on the use of direct labour for road construction continued to be a contentious issue during the meeting, reflecting the divergent opinions among the council members.

Kerry News – Friday 21 July 1905