Loughrea Town Commissioners, Minutes, 1963 - 1971

Volume of minutes of proceedings of the Commissioners meetings, includes resolutions such as:-

• Proposed Swimming Facilities : Town Engineer, in his report stated that he visit Hudson Bay, Athlone, as directed and that the amenities at the Long Point, Loughrea Lake, were superior to any other place he had visited.  He recommended the continuation of the Prom and that two piers be erected at Long Point…’ (p1)
• ‘CIE Services in Loughrea Area Read letter….from Minister for Transport & Power addressed to Chairman (Mr M Carty T.D.) acknowledging Chairman’s recent representations re alterations to CIE Services the letter stated, that a general reorganisation of road and rail services in the Western areas took place, 17^th June last, and the Minister has been informed that it is not correct to say that the alterations made are aimed at the closing of the Attymon / Loughrea railway line.
  There was a lengthy discussion on the matter when it was unanimously decided that CIE re requested to have the lorry restored to Loughrea and state that towns-people are not satisfied by CIE diverting business from Loughrea to Ballinasloe’ (p4, see also p6, p15).
• ‘Discussion took place regarding employment of a girl in the Local Factory when the following resolution was passed on the proposition of Mr W Conlan, Seconded to Mr S Kelly:
  “That this Board condemn in the strongest terms the discrimination that took place when an employee there had to leave because the girls decided not to work with (her) on the ground that she was from a lower social class.
  As the People’s representatives we fell it our duty to condemn all kinds of discrimination and hope that we will never be forced to speak on this subject again”’ (p26).
• ‘Congratulations were extended….to the Co. Galway G.A.A. on winning the All-Ireland F.B. final against Kerry’ (p48, see also p91, p137).
• ‘The demolishing of Bridewell was recommended by the members to Assistant County Manager with a view to gaining more marks in the tidy towns competition’ (p62, see also p108).
• ‘Visit of His Eminence Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, to the town, was discussed by the Board.  Mr D Sweeney stated that Very Rev Fr O’Callaghan Adm., said the Cardinal will be given a Liturgical Reception in St. Brendan’s Cathedral on the 13^th August…. (p86, see also p89).
• ‘Congratulations were extended to most Rev Dr Ryan, Bishop of Clonfert on his action in protesting against the “Party Games” incident in the Late Late Show Telefis Éireann  programme on the 12 May 1966 (p108)
• Itinerants Votes Mr T R Kelly proposed that Itinerants be granted the same right to vote as other citizens. Mr J Devine seconded.
  Chairman stated that it was his opinion that it would be impossible until such time as camping sites had been provided for them’ (p111)
• ‘1916 Commemorations: Letter signed by M.A. Nevin Hon. Secretary Loughrea Committee was read, thanking the Members and Town Clerk, for their subscriptions and assistance in the success of the celebrations’ (p122).
• ‘Loughrea Lake - Mr Morgan produced a written station in connection with the recent leasing of the Loughrea Lake by the Loughrea Anglers Association from Lord Harewood. The statement was signed N.W.R.L. Mr Barrett stated that his answer to that statement was that the Loughrea Anglers Association now owned the lake and that any person who wished to dispute this could do so in the courts.  Mr Barrett’s statement was hotly disputed by Messers Devine, Green & Morgan.  In reply to Mr Kilboy, Mr Barrett stated that any person may use the lake for pleasure proposes but that if they wished to fish the lake they must first join the Angler’s Association’ (p214).
• ‘The Chairman explained to the meeting that he had called this special meeting for the purpose of deciding what help the people of Loughrea could offer to the people of the Six Counties in their present difficulties…’(p215, see also p219, p220, p222).
• ‘Future of Loughrea Cottons: Mr Barrett proposed and Mr Morgan seconded that a meeting should be called between the Loughrea Town Commissioners, Loughrea Chamber of Commerce and the management of Robert Usher Ltd to discuss means of safe guarding the future of Robert Usher Ltd.(a recent fire had damaged the factory) Loughrea.  On suggestion of Mr McDonnell it was decided to defer calling a meeting until such times as the Town Clerk could ascertain from the factory management if such a meeting could serve any useful purpose’ (8 March 1971, see also 19 March 1971).
• ‘Mentally Handicapped Children: Mr Morgan stated that he would not accept the reply received from Galway County Council, stating that every effort is being made to provide institutional care for all mentally handicapped children.  Mr Morgan stated that Unit 7 at Merlin Park, is vacant and he proposed that the Co. Council be requested to make this Unit available for the care of the mentally Handicapped children’ (10 May 1971).