Sir, - Most Blackrock residents would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the environmental good (Mr Simon Broadhead, June 3rd) if we had been given sufficient information to make a reasoned judgement. Whilst having every sympathy with the residents in the "rat runs" in Blackrock, who have to endure a constant and unremitting stream of traffic, I take exception with the way the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has announced, or rather not announced, these proposed changes to the traffic flow.
The legal notice in The Irish Times on May 15th appeared to be deliberately designed to be overlooked. Instead of stirring up a hornet's nest of speculation, rumour, counter-rumour, panic and hysteria amongst the Blackrock residents - both those living on and those using the "rat runs" - a simple A4 flyer showing the proposed changes and an explanation would have saved a great deal of trouble. As it is the underhand, hole-in-the-corner attitude of the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Roads & Traffic Department has only heightened paranoia and hardened the attitude of anyone affected by these proposed alterations in the traffic flow.
The re-introduction of an efficient school bus service would go a great way towards alleviating the traffic congestion on the roads. Presently, the 62 children who could be accommodated on a bus cause approximately 40 extra cars onto the road during the rush hours.
Mr David Timoney's objection to being called a "rat" is irrational. The rat is a clever, resourceful character who can overcome any obstacle, either by chewing through, or digging over or under. The rat survives largely thanks to man's wasteful and unhygenic habits. If man were to ever set up home on the moon, rest assured that Rattus norvegicus will not be far behind.
Finally, the Council may well reflect on: "It is the Wisedome of Rats that will be sure to leave a House, somewhat before it fall" (Francis Bacon 1561-1626). - Yours, etc., Paula Senior, Chairman and secretary, Mount Albany and Richmond Residents' Association,
Blackrock, Co Dublin.