In a decisive move, the Harbour Board, with a majority of seven to four, has chosen to support the implementation of a fixed bridge over a swivel design. This decision stands in stark contrast to the previously pacific stance adopted by the Corporation. The Corporation, now faced with limited alternatives, is gearing up for a determined battle on this contentious issue.

The suggestion of a fixed bridge has overturned the cooperative approach previously maintained by the Corporation. Despite persistent calls for a conference to facilitate dialogue and prevent unnecessary expenditure of public funds, the Harbour Board has decided a different path. The Corporation, now sensing the urgency of the situation, is left with no choice but to vigorously contest the decision.

Calls for a conference to explore mutually agreeable solutions have fallen on deaf ears, and the Corporation is left with a sense of inevitability in taking the matter to the next level. There is a growing consensus among the Corporation members that public funds could be more judiciously applied to address pressing community needs.

However, the prevailing sentiment is that the Corporation must now stand its ground and fight this decision to the end. With popular opinion seemingly on their side, the Corporation is contemplating a direct approach to the members of the Irish Parliament. A deputation is being considered, aimed at persuading Irish Parliament members to intervene and obstruct the progress of the Bill currently before the House of Lords.

The Corporation is banking on the hope that the Irish members of Parliament will be receptive to the concerns raised by the local government. The proposed fixed bridge has become a focal point of contention, and the Corporation believes that the Irish Parliament should be made aware of the local sentiment and the potential repercussions of such a decision on the community.

The decision of the Harbour Board, while reflecting their position on the matter, has intensified the debate within the city. Residents are divided on the issue, with some supporting the practicality and cost-effectiveness of a fixed bridge, while others argue in favour of the traditional swivel design, citing its historical significance and potential impact on tourism.

The proposed fixed bridge has broader implications for the city’s infrastructure and development. It is essential to consider not only the immediate financial implications but also the long-term effects on transportation, tourism, and the overall aesthetic of the city. The Corporation’s decision to approach the Irish Parliament underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination to exhaust all avenues to ensure that the best interests of the community are served.

As the debate rages on, Limerick finds itself at a crossroads, torn between the proponents of progress and those advocating for the preservation of tradition. The outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of the city, and residents eagerly await further developments in this unfolding saga.

Evening Herald (Dublin) – Saturday 10 May 1913