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LIMERICK POOR LAW UNION

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Limerick Poor Law Union was formed 1st January 1839 and covered an area of 197 square miles. Its operation was overseen by an elected Board of Guardians, 40 in number, representing its 17 electoral divisions as listed below (figures in brackets indicate numbers of Guardians if more than one):

Co. Limerick: Abington (2), Ballybricken, Caherconlish, Cappamore, Castleconnell, Crecora, Doon, Fedamore, Kilmurry, County of City of Limerick (20), Murroe, Patrickswell

Co. Clare: Kilfenaghta, Killeely (2), Killokennedy (2), Kilseely, Kiltannonlea

Later Additions: Ballycannon, Ballycummin, Ballyglass, Ballyvarra, Caherelly, Cappavilla, Castlecrine, Cloghera, Cloontra, Carrig, Clarina, Clonkeen, Cratloe, Fahymore, Glenstal, Lackareagh, Mountievers, O'Briensbridge, Roxborough

The Board also included 13 ex-officio Guardians, making a total of 53. The Guardians met each week on Wednesday at noon.

The population falling within the Union at the 1831 census had been 140,072 with divisions ranging in size from Doon (population 790) to Limerick City (66,554).

The new workhouse, built in 1839-41, was designed by George Wilkinson on an 11-acre site on the east side of Shelbourne Road, across the Shannon to the north-west of the city. It was designed to hold 1,600 inmates, cost £10,000 plus £2,830 for fixtures and fittings etc. It was declared fit for the admission of paupers on 20th May 1841 and admitted its first inmates two days later.

                                    Contributed by John O’Connell