Edition Bobbett1. Texts by Elizabeth F. Bobbett: 1.1.3. Correspondence, Letters to newspapers

1945 Elizabeth Bobbett: Letter to the Wicklow People, 07.04.1945

Correspondence. District versus County Charges

I thank Mr. Christopher M. Byrne for his reply in your issue of 24th March. I have no desire to enter into a newspaper controversy in this matter, but definitely had to uphold my position as leader of the deputation from the Irish Farmers’ Federation which was received by the County Council some months ago, when we protested against this change in making district charges a county at large charge, as Mr. Christopher M. Byrne had stated “that there was no need for increased rates and the amount that had been bandied about in statements made that they would have to pay 5d was untrue, unjust and unfair.” As leader of the deputation, I was voicing the considered opinions of our members and therefore it is incorrect for Mr. C. M. Byrne to surmise “that my letter would seem to indicate that such a rate would have to be paid in the coming year for the first time.” We are well aware that separate charges have always been paid in certain districts, Rathdrum included, but they were for work carried out in those districts. What we do object to is that districts such as Calary, Roundwood, Greenane, Knockananna, etc., will now have to pay for improvements carried out in other areas, while these districts can never benefit from such amenities. By all means if a district wants a certain improvement carried out such as sewerage, light, water, let the people who want it be prepared to pay for it. It is not compulsory on people to take in the water, sewerage or light, but if they ask for it, it is only reasonable that they should be prepared to pay for it, and not expect the county districts to pay a share of the cost. I know of several lots of labourers’ cottages in other counties where some of the families did not take in the light, and they have not to pay increased rates or rent, while those who got the light have to pay the increase. In concluding his letter Mr. C. M. Byrne points out the advantages that will be gained by the ratepayers in Rathdrum district by the new procedure when the following works are carried out: extension to Newtown sewerage system to Kiladreenan, water and sewerage to Aughrim village, water supply to Arklow Rock, sewerage works at Newcastle and Avoca. But he hesitates to state what are the new improvements to be carried out in Greystones and Delgany and the approximate cost of which will be placed on Rathdrum district, and what the ultimate total costs will be to the districts. We regret that the full facts for and against these new changes were not placed before the County Council at the appropriate time. Elizabeth F. Bobbett. County Secretary IFF.