From the archives: Plight of Mayo islanders highlighted in 1935
By Tom Gillespie
AT a meeting of Mayo County Council in January 1935, a number of important petitions were read. The council referred the petitions to the suitable authorities.
The following is a list of the applications for works which the council dealt with.
Clare Island claim
“We, the undersigned, representative of Clare Island, and speaking in the interests of the general body, request you to bring this petition to the notice of your council.
“Under present circumstances, we are forced to make this urgent appeal for assistance, and trust we may be considered in the allocation of current relief grants.
“This year in particular has left the islanders in very straitened circumstances. Firstly, the kelp industry gave little or no return, and again the herring fishing - the chief means of livelihood - was a complete failure.
“Secondly, the harvest proved a bad one, owing to the very rough and wet weather. Even our last hope - the November fair at Westport - added to our losses.
“The islanders had to leave the island a week in advance of the fair, pay their way in Westport during there long stay, and failed to sell their stock.
“We have not so far received any benefit under the Unemployment Assistance Act, although a big number are qualified for assistance for the last three months.
“Our claims in this matter seem to be entirely neglected, or at least not receiving due attention.
“Owing to the above circumstances we are asking the council to come to our aid and to consider us in the allocation of public money allotted to the county. The priest is prepared to furnish suggestions as to positive works in the event of a grant being available.”
Signed: Martin Jennings, Adm; Mairtin Mac Sitric, O.S.; Michael Murray, John Barrett, Edward Gordon , John Gordon, J.J. McCabe.
Charlestown ratepayers' petition
“We, the undersigned, representing the ratepayers Charlestown, particularly those in the vicinity of the river passing through the main portion of the town, beg to bring before the council the necessity for having the said river cleaned.
“Year after year the private houses and the business stores attached thereto have been flooded to a depth of several feet, with a consequent grave inconvenience and financial loss to the inhabitants.
“The frequent flooding of the river interferes detrimentally with the sewerage system and thus indirectly with the sanitary conditions in the town.
“The danger of the bridge spanning the river being carried away by the flood was particularly imminent on the occasion of the recent heavy rains, and we therefore appeal, in the interests of the town generally, and particularly of those whose lives and property the flooding is a constant menace, to have the river cleaned as soon as possible.”
Signed: Michael Beirne, M.B; James B. Mulrooney, P.C.; John J. Howley; M.A. Cryan, Bridget Brennan, W.E. Mulligan, M.C. Henry, John J. Casey, M.V. O’Rourke, T.J. McCarty, Thomas Haran.