IN IRELAND

Hokitika Guardian, 23 August 1929, Page 8

IN IRELAND

WHAT LIMERICK WANTS. (By SIR. PERCIVAL PHILLIPS.) LIMERICK, July 1. Limerick is like an old gentleman in frayed trousers who is suddenly desirous, of renewing his youth and achieving better things. The spirit of progress which animates the builders oi the Free State is apparent beneath its ancient and dilapidated exterior. A phenomenon which I have observed in other large towns, the desire ■'or development on non-political lines has developed here. It has manifesteditself in a movement, still discreet but none the less firm, for the transfer o local government to a Commissioner who will give Limerick the same benefits as Dublin, Cork, and certain small er communities have received from im partial control of their finances, and non-partisan appointments to public offices. A BiUsiness Party ,has been formed in opposition to the two old - politica groups, and at the recent election it revealed unexpected strength and solidity. The members want Limerick administered on business lines. They have an example of what can be accomplished in this way in the little town of Ennis, in County Clare. Ennis is a Commissioner-run community. Under the watchful eye of Mr P. J. Meghen rates have come down as usual, and efficiency has been increased. Limerick County Council favours a similar change for this city, but the municipal authorities naturally refuse to commit suicide. The scheme is opnosed, but not unanimously. The councillors against it point out that the cifv has had a Royal charter since the end of the 12th century, and that in view of its long and historic past it should not accept a “new-fangled, soulless contraption,” like a Commissioned-, even to save a few shillings on the rates. There the matter rests for. the moment. Questions of municipal reform are being debated more warmly than any olf the old familiar political issues. The Progressives would have more public support but for the fear of many sympathisers that they will prejudice their own interests in the community if they take sides openly. They are willing to advocate reforms in, private which still appear to be dangerous be--ause of the fear that they might not be accomplished. Yet the spirit of progress is here. It is apparent in the plans for a greater. port. Extension of the harbour is desired, as well as the construction of a railway connecting it with: the Great Southern Railway. Streets require re-paving; slum areas demand the attention of the housebreaker,- new and better housing conditions are needed for the poor.,

POWER FROM SHANNON SOON. The so-called Shannon scheme is an inspiration to the go-ahead faction of Limerick’s population. The headquarters of this ambitious enterprise is only eight miles away. The canal, nine miles long, which will convey the water from the river Shannon, is practically finished.

The dam at O.’Brien’s Bridge, which has a fall of 100 feet, is now under construction. Here the power house has been built. The majority of the turbines and generators are already in position, and many miles of overhead cable have been strung across country. ' Current will be available for consumers next January, if the present rate of construction is maintained. It is still a matter of doubt how far the Shannon Scheme will justify the enormous expenditure involved. The Government say that cheap power will be available for every community in the- Free State and in Northern Ireland, as well as for private enterprises. Some towns, however, are receiving electric current to-day at a lower price than the Government will be able to charge, and they have no desire. to change. .

Limerick has a special grievance m connection with the Shannon Scheme. Her waterways communication with Dublin has been cut, and there is no prospect of it being restored until early in 1930. Meanwhile brought by the Grand Canal will have to be 'transshipped at additional cost. Her people would like to have had a portion of the sum expended at O’Brien’s Bridge devoted to the improvement olf the port. Revenues from the latter have been steadily increasing.

Limerick was long content to slumber peacelfullly in the tattered garments of decayed gentility. Now a new generati'on is determined to push her into the twentieth century.