In a significant move towards enhancing the infrastructure of Limerick, a joint meeting was convened at the Town Hall on Saturday evening. The meeting, attended by representatives from both the Limerick Corporation and the Limerick County Council, aimed to discuss a communication received from the Roads Board. The letter urged the authorities to apply for a grant under the Roads Improvement Development Funds Act of 1909, with the specific goal of improving the roads throughout the city and county.

Presided over by the Mayor, the meeting saw a full attendance, and the Town Clerk provided insights into the initiation of this crucial action following the receipt of the communication from the Roads Board in London. All relevant officials were duly notified to deliberate on the matter.

Mr J. Horan, County Surveyor, outlined the plan for the county’s road improvement. He emphasized a scheme focused on six trunk roads traversing the county, with plans to employ steam rolling and the application of tar macadam. Additionally, he highlighted the intention to address safety concerns related to bridges.

Mr J. J. Peacocke, City Engineer, shared his vision for the city roads, expressing the desire to pave all the roads, although the Act did not explicitly encompass paving. He suggested an alternative approach, involving the treatment of roads with bituminous preparations.

After a constructive exchange of ideas, Mr W. R. Gubbins, J.P., Chairman of the County Council, proposed the formation of a joint committee comprised of representatives from both bodies. This committee would collabourate with their respective surveyors to draft a comprehensive scheme, which would then be submitted to the Roads Board. The proposal included expeditiously applying for the grant to initiate the much-needed road improvements.

Mr John Coleman, J.P., seconded the proposition, and it received unanimous approval from the attendees. The decision to establish a joint committee signifies a unified effort by the Limerick Corporation and County Council to proactively address and enhance the road infrastructure in both the city and the county.

The meeting concluded with the efficient disposal of some formal business, leaving a sense of optimism and anticipation for the transformative road improvement initiatives that lie ahead for Limerick.

Dublin Daily Express – Monday 15 August 1910