On 25 February 1847 the number of inmates in the Union Workhouse was 732. However, the maximum number allowed for in this establishment was 600. Therefore there was much overcrowding. The Board of Guardians decided to make enquiries in the town with regard to renting a store to provide extra accommodation and also to cater for the great numbers seeking relief. On 28 March 1847 more than 2,000 people sought relief at the Workhouse. Kiely’s store No. 1, of Quay Lane, was the first store to be rented. However as the numbers seeking relief continued to increase further buildings were required. These were Kiely’s store No. 2, of Quay Lane; Dee’s house, Blackpool; Boyle’s house, Blackpool; Carbery’s store, Strandside South, Abbeyside; Galwey’s store, Strandside South, Abbeyside; Keating’s store, The Quay; and, Keating’s Tan Yard, Poulnacurra.