Loughrea Town Commissioners, Minutes, 1978 - 1985

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

• ‘As the closure of Tynagh Mine is now imminent, the Industrial Development Authority should be asked to enter into negotiations with Irish Base Metals Ltd., with a view to utilising the land and existing buildings at Tynagh for alternative industrial use…’ (p236, see also p244, p273, p297).
• ‘Chain-of-Office.  Mr D Solan, Manager, Bank of Ireland, Loughrea in his letter of 03/07/1980 stated that while his bank is not prepared to sponsor the Chain-of-Office in full, it will contribute to any public subscription for this purpose. The meeting expressed its disappointment at the Bank’s refusal to sponsor this project.  Comm. Morgan stated that he had received an offer of subscriptions from other firms.  It was agreed that Comm. Morgan should look for further subscriptions. The Town Clerk was instructed to write to former Chairman or their relatives inviting them to subscribe towards the cost of having name links supplied with the Chain.  The meeting agreed in principle with acquiring a Chain-of-Office but felt that it should be not be ordered until the cost of same was collected.’ (p245, see also p247)

• Letter of address from the Town Commissioners to the Rev. Mother Prioress and Community of St Joseph’s Monastery, Mount Carmel, Loughrea on the occasion of the Tercentenary of the establishment of the Carmelite Nuns in Loughrea…’(p247)

• ‘Demands made by prisoners at Maze and Armagh Jails:  Mr L.C.W. Figg the British Ambassador, set out in his letter dated 14/8/80, the reasons why certain demands are refused to a special category of prisoner in the Maze and Armagh jails…..’(p249, see also p267, p271).
• Address to the Captain and members of the Galway Senior Hurling Team, winners of the All-Ireland Championship 1980 (p252)
• ‘County Library:  The County Librarian, Mr Thomas Sharkey, stated in his letter of the 21/1/1981 that he had written to Mr J.B. Donohoe, Press Reports regarding the purchase of the photograph of the Blessing of the Foundation Stone of Loughrea Cathedral and other photographs in connection with the Seamus O’Kelly Centenary year for display in the Loughrea Library’ (p262).

• ‘Pollroebuck Housing Estate:  Comm. Donnellan asked Mr Howlett if something could be done to improve the deplorable condition of the playground at Pollroebuck Housing Estate’ (p266)
• ‘Closure of Westfalian Carpet Yarn Spinning Co. Ltd:  Comm Hynes stated that we had all heard with regret, the sudden closure of the Westfalian factory during the week.  This again highlighted the mistaken policy of the I.D.A. in giving approximately £600,000 to the foreign industrialist, a sum which would have funded 10 or 12 small industries in the area…’(p282. p307)
• ‘Tullira Castle:  Comm Morgan referred to the fact that Edward Martyn who was born in Masonbrook in 1859 and was mainly responsible for the Irish Literary Revival had his home at Tullira. Comm Morgan proposed that the Taoiseach be asked to have Tullira Castle purchased by the State and preserved as a national monument, this was seconded by Comm. Barrett.  Comm Donnellan supported the proposal and added that the members could show their interest by supporting a proposed tour to Tullira which Sister Austin is arranging’ (p292, see also p294, p314, p316, p325)
• New Library:  The County Librarian, in his letter of the 21/6/1982 to the County Secretary stated that he is reasonably satisfied with the Library Premises in the Temperance Hall, however if a better premises became available he would be interested in providing a new Branch Library in Loughrea if funds are available.  The County Librarian requested the Town Commissioners to inform him of any suitable premises.  Comm. Morgan stated that he was not satisfied with this reply adding that the Temperance Hall is not suitable. After discussion it was agreed that the Temperance Hall is not suitable.  After discussion it was agreed that the present Vocational School is suitable and will be vacated when the new school is open.  It was unanimously decided to request the County Vocational Education Committee to donate the existing Vocational School premises to the town. It was also decided on the proposition of Comm. Morgan to request the County Librarian to have the micro films of old newspapers, manuscripts etc which are presently available in the Library in Hynes Buildings thereby ensuring that these micro-films are available to the public during existing library opening hours’ (p294, see also p297, p299, p314, p316)
• ‘Visit of President Reagan: Comm. Morgan referred to the recent visit of the President of the United States, Ronald Regan, to Galway and stated that he was disappointed that the County Manager, Mr Keating had read the Address of Welcome. Comm Morgan added that he felt the Chairman of the county Council, as the elected representative, should have read the Address on behalf of the people of the county.
  Mr Kearns in reply stated that the precedent set on the occasion of visit of President Kennedy was adhered to on this occasion and no offence was intended to anybody.  Mr Kearns said that he also wished to state that no one had worked as hard as Mr Keating had to make this occasion a success.  The Chairman ruled that this was a matter for the County Council’ (p337)

• ‘Loughrea Bye-Pass:  Mr Kavanagh (County Secretary) indicated that this scheme is included for construction in the medium term but that a number of matters remind to be resolved at local level. Mr Howlett stated that the Loughrea Bye-Pass is included in the 10 year Plan, priority is given the bridge over the Corrib and the Oramore Bye-Pass, it is proposed that the Loughrea Scheme will start in 1987.  Comm Loughnane stated that he understood that these schemes were held up by the Department, it now transpires that the initiative rests with Galway County Council.  Comm Morgan stated that he is satisfied that the Regional Water Scheme is progressing satisfactorily and he is in no hurry with the proposed bye-pass’ (pp349-350).
• ‘The Chairman in welcoming Bishop Cassidy stated that tonight’s meeting was historic insofar as it was the first time that a Bishop of Clonfert had attended a meeting of the Loughrea Town Commissioners….’ (p354).