Madam, - At this time of year plot-holders should be preparing the soil on the allotments in Goatstown, Dublin 14. However, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Co Council, the landowners, plan to build houses there, so this spring no activity is taking place.
For many years people have grown fruit and vegetables in an environmentally friendly way. The soil has been tilled, compost made from crop residue and rainwater collected in containers. Every encouragement should be given to people who grow their own food. It lessens the need for imports and provides growers with a healthy lifestyle.
If the county council uses this land for housing it will be an act of environmental destruction. This is a valuable sustainable resource and should be preserved as such.
Among the elected representatives from the area are two government Ministers, a Fine Gael health spokesperson and a Green Party TD. Ireland has a poor record on environmental matters and if these allotments are lost it will further emphasise this sad fact. - Yours, etc.,
JOHN CALLAGHAN, Wesley Lawns, Dublin 16.