Memories, 1973: C.I.E. has £250,000 plan for Limerick

Rent war: Peace is imminent

ALTHOUGH the rent strike by tenants of Limerick Corporation is still in force, the prospect of a settlement is now reported to be brightening, as talks with the Government progress.

Government officials have already seen a draft settlement plan to the representatives of the Limerick tenants, and associated bodies around the country, as a basis for discussion.

It sets out proposals under 13 different headings. It is believed that ten of these could be acceptable, generally while the remaining three would need further clarification.

The talks are not being held between the Limerick tenants and the Government directly, but representatives of the tenants here are being kept fully in touch with the talks, which are being conducted by the National Association of Tenants’ Organisation. These negotiations should last a few weeks, declared Con Foley, chairman of the Limerick Tenants’ Association, which is affiliated to NATO. “All Limerick people who are on strike are members of NATO,” he explained. “Southill was the backbone where the rent strike is concerned.”

He said that the talks took in such matters as the succession of tenancy transfers and house purchase. In a later interview, another source explained that the more recent Government document, the draft settlement plan had been issued and was regarded as highly confidential.

C.I.E. has £250,000 plan for Limerick

CIE are to spend over a £1m on the modernisation of the Limerick Depot and part of the Loco Works, it was revealed this week. The work of modernisation is expected to begin within the next few months.

The announcement that the money was to be spent was made by Mr Kevin Daly, Limerick area manager, at the annual dinner, of the Limerick Locomotive’s Association, in the Savoy banqueting suite.

Mr Daly said that the board of CIE had approved of this expenditure. He added that every department in Limerick would be hit as a result of the proposals.

Mr Daly said that the sum would be the biggest amount ever allocated in a provincial depot since the establishment of area developments.

Limerick was very important to CIE and the allocation of such money was an act of faith in the future of Limerick and the part CIE can play in its future.

Mr Daly said he wished to pay a tribute to the local people who made it possible by establishing plans and schemes.