As I explained on the introduction of this measure, the statutory period of three years during which the Commissioner in Trim could continue to carry out the work of the Urban District Council expired on 16th July. The necessary order was issued for the holding of an election of the council, but no one was nominated. The matter was then reported to the County Council so that they might take statutory steps to secure the carrying on of the Urban Council's affairs. The County Council, at a meeting held on 1st July, passed the following resolution:
On consideration of the matter, and in view of the reluctance of the electors of the Trim Urban District to depart from the system of administration by Commissioner, it was proposed, seconded, and passed nem con:
That the Meath County Council take no action under Article 7 of the Schedule to the Local Government (Application of Enactments) Order, 1898, to provide for the continuance of the administration of the Trim Urban District.
The position in which I find myself is that, in order that the affairs of this sanitary area may be carried on, it is necessary to have statutory powers to continue the Commissioner there for another period. There is no other way of dealing with the matter except by legislation in this House. In dealing with a similar case in connection with Ennis, I pointed out that the people there were prepared to consider the position in general and to make representation as to how the affairs of the town should be carried on. The matter is one which affects towns generally throughout the country. In Trim the position is that you have a population of 1,325 inhabitants, that number having been reduced by 11 per cent. since 1911, and the question must arise whether a town of that kind shall be either de-urbanised, or whether such towns must have their affairs carried on in a different way to that prevailing in the past. There is no option at present to do anything except to continue the statutory period of the Commissioner there. The Bill makes provision to continue the Commissioner for another period of three years.