A meeting of the Limerick No. 2 District Council took place at the City Dispensary, with Mr John Meclnerney, MP, serving as chairman. The meeting quickly became heated as a contentious issue arose regarding a motion submitted by Mr James Keane. The motion suggested reducing the rent of David Cosgreave’s cottage in Castle Bank, Ballyglass district, from 1 shilling to 8 pence. Mr James O’Regan seconded the motion.
However, the motion faced strong opposition. The chairman, Mr Meclnerney, expressed his belief that individual cases should not be considered in isolation. He argued that granting one reduction could open the floodgates for others to request similar reductions. He proposed that if any reductions were to be made, they should be applied across the board to avoid favoritism.
Mr Keane countered by accusing the chairman of bias against the cottage in question. The chairman denied any personal bias and reiterated his stance on considering all cottages together. Mr O’Regan intervened, suggesting that the chairman’s actions contradicted his own message of fairness. The chairman defended his decisions, asserting the need to maintain order in the proceedings.
Discussion shifted to the classification of the land in question. Mr O’Malley, an engineer, stated that the land was classified into three categories under the seventh scheme, and the rent was determined accordingly. Mr Keane questioned whether 1 shilling was the usual rate for third-class land. Mr O’Malley responded that such rates were sometimes paid for even worse land.
The chairman argued that if the land’s value did not justify the rent, a formal notice of motion should be presented. He warned against making assumptions about landlords and tenants. Mr Keane expressed his dissatisfaction, prompting the chairman to state that if the council intended to reduce rents, it should apply to all cottages uniformly.
A back-and-forth ensued between Mr O’Regan and the chairman over the handling of the meeting. Mr Madden, representing the ratepayers and labourers, expressed his intention to support universal reductions rather than exceptions. He indicated that he could present numerous cases to the council for consideration.
Tensions escalated as members exchanged pointed remarks. Captain O’Brien proposed an amendment to reduce the rent to the lowest rate established under the seventh scheme. After a poll, the amendment was accepted, although some members demanded additional polls.
The meeting also addressed matters such as the time of meetings and town clerk’s privileges. It was noted that a legal decision prompted changes in how summonses were served for a town clerk.
The minutes capture the intense debates and divisions within the council regarding rent reductions and related issues. The discussions reflected differing opinions on how to handle specific cases, with emotions running high and members asserting their views passionately.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 13 February 1906
