In a recent session of the House of Commons, a Select Committee presided over by Sir James Dickeson-Poynder convened to examine a bill aimed at amending the Housing of the Working Classes Acts in Ireland. The committee sought evidence on the proposed legislation, and among the witnesses was Mr O’Sullivan, Chief Clerk of the Labourers Cottages Branch of the Irish Local Government Board.
Mr O’Sullivan presented a compelling case for the bill, offering insights into the significant positive impact these Acts have had on Ireland since their introduction in 1883. He shared statistics regarding the number of cottages constructed in Ireland under these Acts and highlighted that the average weekly rent for these dwellings was a mere eleven pence.
One of the key aspects of Mr O’Sullivan’s testimony revolved around the cooperation and willingness of farmers to allocate land for labourers’ cottages. He emphasized that in regions where a substantial number of cottages had been built, there had been remarkable improvements in the standard of living. This underscored the vital role played by local authorities in implementing the Laborers Bill efficiently and economically.
Mr O’Sullivan acknowledged that while the majority of localities had successfully embraced the Labourers Acts, there were exceptions, particularly in Northern Ireland. In these areas, some labourers might have been hesitant to apply for cottages, fearing potential repercussions on their employment. In Northern Ireland, many labourers enjoyed stable, long-term employment arrangements with the same farmers.
However, he contended that, overall, the Labourers Acts had delivered immense benefits to the entire country. These benefits encompassed various aspects, including public health and the reduction of emigration to some extent. Moreover, these Acts had proved invaluable to farmers by providing a readily available source of labour within close proximity.
Mr O’Sullivan offered a specific example to illustrate the positive transformation brought about by the Laborers Acts. In the Kilmallock district of County Limerick, farmers had previously been compelled to seek labourers from Kerry, a neighboring region. However, due to the presence of labourers’ cottages, this necessity had largely disappeared. The Acts had effectively bridged the labour gap, benefiting both the rural workforce and the agricultural sector.
In conclusion, Mr O’Sullivan’s testimony provided a robust endorsement of the Housing of the Working Classes Acts in Ireland. These Acts, designed to improve the living conditions of labourers and promote local development, had not only succeeded in their mission but had also played a crucial role in enhancing public health, curbing emigration, and bolstering the agricultural sector. The evidence presented painted a compelling picture of the Acts’ overall positive impact on Ireland’s communities and its economy.
Kerry News – Wednesday 18 July 1906
