Mr Glynn, representing the Shannon Steamship Company, recently filed a complaint on behalf of the company regarding the deplorable state of the floor in the shed they lease from the Harbour Board at the Docks. The floor’s condition had deteriorated to the point where rats had infested the entire area, persistently burrowing new openings even after closures. Just the other day, an alarming count of 40 rats was spotted emerging from one such burrow. In light of this pressing issue, Mr Glyaon urged the authorities to consider laying down a concrete floor in the shed to address the problem.

In response, Mr Holliday expressed that he had anticipated such concerns. He pointed out that there had been no prior mention of the floor’s state when Mr Grainger occupied the shed, leaving the traders and citizens of Limerick to face the same risks without any remedy.

Mr Stokes sought an assessment of the shed’s condition from the Engineer, to which Mr Moroney admitted that the state of the shed was indeed in bad shape.

Mr Long emphasized that a macadam floor was unsuitable for a transit shed. Considering the rats’ unrestricted movement throughout the area, causing damage to the stored goods, which occupants paid £50 per year to utilize, he asserted the need to take action and restore the floor to a proper condition. Inquiring about the cost of installing a concrete floor, Mr Moroney estimated it to be in the range of £30 to £40.

To resolve the issue, Mr Cleeve proposed a resolution to install a proper floor, with the occupants of the shed sharing half the cost. This proposal found support from Mr Hayes, who seconded the resolution. Consequently, the resolution was adopted, signifying the beginning of efforts to improve the floor’s condition and address the persistent rat infestation problem.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 15 August 1905