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Limerick Faces Fuel Dilemma Amidst Coal Strike | Limerick Archives

Limerick Faces Fuel Dilemma Amidst Coal Strike

The city of Limerick is grappling with heightened concerns as the ongoing coal strike casts a shadow over the availability of essential resources, triggering increased anxiety among both officials and private consumers. The scarcity of fuel has become a pressing issue, with the effects of the strike already reverberating through the community, particularly in the form of abnormally high prices that are keenly felt by residents.

In a meeting held by the Limerick Corporation on Thursday night, Mayor Ryan presided over discussions that brought attention to the impact of the coal strike on the city’s fuel supply. The Corporation’s Gas Committee, responsible for managing the fuel resources, revealed that there was less than 600 tons of coal available for public lighting in the city’s stores. This raised eyebrows as it fell significantly short of the expected supply of 2,680 tons, a figure that should have been ensured by the Committee and the Engineer.

Expressing surprise and concern, Mayor Ryan questioned the Committee’s preparedness for such a situation and lamented the scarcity of fuel in the city, emphasizing the need for adequate planning to avoid such crises. The Mayor particularly noted that, had the Gas Committee and the Engineer fulfilled their responsibilities, there could have been a reserve of 1,000 tons that could be sold to consumers in times of emergency.

The meeting also delved into the rising prices of oil, which had surged by 3 pence per gallon. Councillor O’Brien attributed the increase in oil prices not only to the coal supply issue but also to the ongoing dock strike in Glasgow. The Mayor acknowledged the complexities of the situation, highlighting that the impact extended beyond the coal shortage and included external factors like the dock strike.

However, not everyone agreed on the root causes of the crisis. Councillor [Name] raised a point of contention, asserting that Dublin and Cork, despite having a supply for three to four months, only possessed a fourteen days’ supply of fuel in Limerick. This contradiction led to a disagreement between the Mayor and Councillor O’Farrell, who insisted that his information was sourced from Mr Hawkins, the Gas Engineer.

Alderman O’Donovan weighed in on the discussion, pointing fingers at the Gas Committee for the existing state of affairs, placing the blame squarely on their shoulders. He argued that the responsibility for the coal shortage fell on the Committee rather than the Engineer, sparking an irregular and animated debate among the officials.

Amidst the deliberations, a decision was reached to prioritize the needs of the city’s poor in the purchase of coke, ensuring that they have access to essential fuel during these challenging times. Additionally, as a temporary measure, it was agreed that public lamps should not be kept alight after 12 o’clock at night, a move aimed at conserving the limited fuel resources available.

The situation in Limerick remains tense as officials grapple with the complexities of the coal strike and its cascading effects on the availability and affordability of fuel. The city’s residents are left to navigate the challenges posed by the scarcity, hoping for a resolution to the broader issues at play.

Dublin Daily Express – Saturday 09 March 1912

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