Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring has issued an appeal to Law Society members for donations to a fuel fund for the poor. 

The Mansion House Fuel Fund dates back to 1891, and was set up by Sir John Arnott in 1891 to assist the needy during a harsh winter.

Postage appeal

However, the charity’s annual postage appeal has now been suspended due to new data protection laws, which mean that the Lord Mayor is unable to send his usual letter to legal professionals. 

The fund is struggling this year as it has lost revenue in the region of €30,000 due to the discontinuation of the annual postage appeal. 

Traditionally, the fuel fund provided coal to those who could not afford to heat their homes.

Surplus carried over

At the end of each winter, the surplus was carried over to the next year, and the Mansion House Fuel Fund has brought aid to the needy in Dublin since 1891. It is one of the oldest charities in Dublin. 

The Mansion House Fuel Fund distributes all funds raised among charities that include the St Vincent De Paul, Dublin Simon, Abbey Presbyterian Church hamper fund, and St Thomas the Apostle Parish in Jobstown, Dublin.

The Mansion House Fuel Fund distributes cash grants without any distinction of creed. It was one of the first truly ecumenical charities in Dublin.      

Live animal crib

The main fundraising for the charity takes place in December through the Irish Farmers’ Association, which provides a live animal crib on the Mansion House forecourt during Advent. 

Funds are also raised by the Lord Mayor’s annual Christmas concert. 

There are no paid staff running the charity, and all donations go to the needy. The only costs incurred are postage and account-auditing costs.

Lord Mayor Ring says that €250 will provide a fire for ten families or older people over the season, €150 will provide heating for five families, and €50 will provide for two families.