Sir, – The decision by Dublin City Council officials to “turn down the concept of a memorial garden and a community garden on the basis that it did not have sufficient support locally” is questionable (“Council rejects plans for first World War memorial garden”, News, May 9th).
A public meeting held in November 2013 on behalf of the Killester Community decided to inaugurate a campaign effort because they deemed the building in Killester to be of historical importance, culturally significant, and worthy of preservation as we move forward through our decade of commemorations. The hall’s association with first World War veterans is indisputable and the vast majority of residents in Killester and further afield including many veterans associations supported the Killester WW1 Memorial Campaign in their endeavour to protect and preserve the building and the surrounding area in honour of Irishmen who fought and gave their lives during 1914-1918. It beggars belief that any resident in Killester would seek to disrupt the efforts of their own community in a decision that was reached democratically and unanimously at a public meeting. Why did those who are alleged to have objected not engage with their neighbours and make their voices heard?
I hope all concerned will not be distracted from their admirable efforts in pursuit of the preservation of the hall, and trust the officials will have the good sense and foresight to review their decision. – Yours, etc,
PETER MULVANY,
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Clontarf
Dublin 3.
Sir, – You report that plans for a community garden were unanimously approved by councillors on the area committee but were “subsequently rejected by council officials”.
Does no one see the lack of democracy in that?
Next year there will be local elections. Next year I will stand for re-election. I will accept whatever the outcome is.
It would, however, be wonderful if, in the run-in to the elections, The Irish Times would highlight real local government issues and the acquisition by unelected officials, national and local, of the rights and duties of those of us whom the public elect to make accountable decisions. It could help transform our country. – Yours, etc,
Cllr DERMOT LACEY,
(Labour),
Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.