Government refused to pay full bomb damage claim sought by Lord Longford and Viscount de Vesci for Dublin properties
Confidential files released as part of the State Papers reveal the government was determined to reduce as much as possible the cost of compensating property owners, business operators, householders and ordinary working people for such damage.Compensation was paid under the terms of the Neutrality Act but the government also attempted to secure compensation from the German Legation in Dublin in respect of damage caused by Luftwaffe attacks.The most high-profile attacks occurred at North Strand in Dublin and at Campile in Wexford. In a night-time attack on May 31, 1941, by the Luftwaffe, four bombs were dropped on the busy Dublin suburb. It resulted in 300 homes being damaged and 28 people being killed. A further 90 people were injured.In Campile, Co Wexford, Luftwaffe planes dropped five bombs on August 26, 1940, during a daytime attack. Three people died and dozens others were injured.Papers relating to individual compensation claims have now been released; these include claims arising from the attacks on Dublin and Wexford and the detonation of sea mines along the coast between 1941 and 1944.One of the largest compensation claims was lodged by Lord Longford and Viscount de Vesci over a number of properties they owned in Dún Laoghaire which had been damaged by bombs on December 20, 1941. The properties were located at Martello Avenue and Summerhill in Sandycove.The Anglo-Irish aristocrats lodged a total compensation claim of IR£173.17.3. However, following an exchange of documents between Dún Laoghaire Borough Council and the Department of Finance, it was decided to offer the sum of IR£154.6.4 in full and final settlement of the claim.The architect’s recommendation in respect of the claims was signed by Basil Boyd Barrett on February 9, 1943.Other claimants had their claims refused.A significant number had their claims paid in full, including one woman, Kathleen Murray, who lost her employment because of the North Strand bombing. She sought IR£11.14 after losing her job as a counterhand in a tobacconist store.Another claimant who received compensation was Br Patrick Burke who operated St Joseph’s Asylum for the Male Blind in Drumcondra. Windows were shattered in the premises during an air raid on May 31, 1941. A number of claims were lodged by Dalkey residents who had windows shattered when a large sea mine detonated just off the shore.
