HC Deb 01 March 1830 vol 22 cc1076-7
Mr. O'Connell

presented a Petition from certain inhabitants of the town of Drogheda, complaining of great distress. The petitioners stated, that there were 16,000 inhabitants in the town, 8,000 of whom were so destitute of food, clothing, or fuel, as to be dependent on a subscription for their relief, the amount of which did not exceed 25l. a-week, and which would not afford more than three farthings per week to each. They also added, that the Corporation of Drogheda were in possession of lands belonging to certain charities, which produced 20,000l. a-year, and yet they refused to appropriate any of that amount to the relief of the poor. They therefore prayed that means might be adopted for affording them some relief.