In a recent session of the Limerick Harbour Commissioners, concerns were raised over the partial removal of the embargo on the exportation of Irish store cattle to England. Mr John F. Power, the Secretary, highlighted the need for Limerick to be included in the list of released ports, as he pointed out that there was no apparent reason for the exclusion of the region.

The matter was brought to the attention of Vice-President Mr T. W. Russell, with Mr Power requesting him to exert influence to ensure Limerick’s inclusion in the list of ports where the embargo was lifted. Mr Russell responded, explaining that the determination of the ports from which the embargo was removed rested with the English Board of Agriculture. He assured that if the current technical arrangement proved satisfactory, there was a likelihood that Limerick would be added to the list.

At the meeting, Mr Power proposed passing a resolution urging Mr Russell to use his influence with the English Board of Agriculture on behalf of Limerick. The Chairman expressed confidence in Mr Russell’s commitment to the matter. Mr Power emphasized that there was no valid reason for Limerick’s exclusion, citing the absence of disease in the county and the province as a whole.

The Chairman acknowledged that while cattle could still be shipped through Waterford and Cork, the continued embargo on Limerick was a substantial loss for the port. Mr Power shared that he had promptly contacted the Clyde Shipping Company in Glasgow upon learning that Glasgow was not open for store cattle. His inquiry aimed to initiate steps to include Glasgow in the list of approved ports.

However, the response from the Clyde Shipping Company revealed that the Glasgow Dock lairage was unsuitable for stores, and the dock could not be opened until the existing restrictions were removed. The correspondence further noted that there was no immediate prospect of store cattle being admitted to Glasgow, as the slaughtering of cattle at the dock was mandatory.

Facing this situation, Mr Power expressed doubts about the possibility of taking further action. The Commissioners collectively concluded that the options were limited, and there seemed to be little room for additional initiatives.

The uncertainty surrounding the embargo and the exclusion of Limerick from the list of released ports underscores the challenges faced by regional authorities in navigating the complexities of international trade regulations. As discussions continue, stakeholders in Limerick remain hopeful for a favourable resolution that would allow the resumption of cattle exports from the port, thereby mitigating the economic impact on the local community.

Dublin Daily Express – Tuesday 08 October 1912