In a pivotal session on Thursday night, the Limerick Corporation found itself embroiled in a heated debate over the legality of a proposed salary increase for Mr Fitzgerald, the Gas Committee secretary. The crux of the matter revolved around whether the Gas Committee members were justified in approving a £25 per year raise for Mr Fitzgerald due to extra responsibilities.

The discussion brought to light differing opinions within the Corporation, with some members expressing concerns about the legality of the proposed increase. The Law Adviser, providing a key perspective on the matter, suggested that the Committee may have acted without fully considering a resolution from 1903. However, he stopped short of definitively stating whether the increase was illegal or not.

Mr D. Griffin, along with Mr O’Brien and Alderman McNiece, staunchly argued that the proposed salary boost was, in fact, illegal. They contended that such matters should be addressed through the proper channels, specifically at the Estimate Committee in March. Mr Griffin took a practical stance, emphasizing the need to prioritize fiscal responsibility. He proposed an alternative approach, suggesting the appointment of a junior clerk at a weekly rate of £1, rather than increasing the salary of the current official, which already stood at £8 per week.

The sentiment expressed by Mr Griffin resonated with the broader Corporation, leading to the adoption of a resolution that protested against the alleged illegality of the proposed salary increases for both Mr Fitzgerald and Mr Hawkins. The resolution, passed by the Corporation, reflected a collective concern for adhering to established procedures and legal frameworks.

The debate underscored the Corporation’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its decision-making processes. The resolution highlighted the importance of addressing financial matters within the framework of existing regulations, ensuring that all actions taken by the Corporation are in compliance with the established resolutions, such as the one from 1903.

The deliberations also touched upon broader issues, including discussions about emigration and the allocation of resources. Mr Griffin’s proposition to consider hiring a junior clerk rather than increasing an existing salary exemplified a pragmatic approach to managing the Corporation’s financial affairs.

The outcome of this debate may have significant implications for the future operations of the Gas Committee and the Corporation as a whole. As the Corporation navigates these intricacies, it remains essential to strike a balance between recognizing the contributions of its members and upholding legal and procedural standards.

This development will undoubtedly be closely monitored by the residents of Limerick, who rely on the Corporation to make judicious decisions that impact the community’s welfare. The resolution passed on Thursday night signals a commitment to scrutinizing financial matters with due diligence, ensuring that the Corporation’s actions align with established legal principles and the best interests of the public.

Evening Herald (Dublin) – Saturday 06 December 1913

IMAGE: ENGRAVING: THE CASTLE OF LIMERICK (BARTLETT, WILLIAM HENRY (1809-1854)