I spotted this chamber cover in the footpath, or alternatively the sidewalk, when we spent a very pleasant couple of days in Co. Mayo.
I had never heard of the Irish American Oil Company Limited until it stared back up at me from the path. The Companies Registration Office advises that it was founded in 1951 and dissolved in 1990 – having filed last accounts in 1980.
My best guess is that it is a chamber to allow an oil delivery truck to connect to a pipe that goes under the building or laneway to an underground tank of some sort. I have seen covers for gas chambers. I have seen coalplate covers over coal bunkers. I have seen standard manhole covers in petrol stations over feed pipes to the tanks. This is the first cover of this type that I can recall seeing – assuming my best guess is correct. It is definitely the first time I read of the Irish American Oil Co. Ltd.. Will be keeping the eyes open for more – both oil covers and references to Irish American Oil Co. Ltd. |