Sir, - I wish to respond to the article in your edition of March 21st concerning the proposed development of Bray Esplanade. This article describes Bray as a "jaded Victorian seaside resort" before outlining the ambitious plans of a local business consortium for land reclamation and the subsequent construction of apartment blocks up to six storeys high, a large leisure complex, a marina and extensive car-parking facilities at the seafront.
The article expands at length upon the "vision" of the businessmen concerned who reportedly believe that Bray has been "left behind" by the economic boom. Unfortunately, no reference is made to the wishes or desires of the 30,000 people who live in Bray and who view its seafront as one of the few remaining and precious public amenities in the town.
Few people in the town would deny that the seafront area has been badly neglected by the local urban district council over the years. Most would welcome investment in the upgrading and landscaping of the area. However, most of the local people to whom I have spoken regard the notion of the massive commercial development of the seafront area as completely unacceptable.
Unfortunately, considering the worst excesses of over-development which have occurred in Bray to date despite widespread public opposition, and the apparent willingness of the Department of the Marine to grant a foreshore licence for land reclamation at Bray seafront, it is quite likely that this outrageous development will proceed.
Apparently, the growing trend of the privatisation of public amenity areas for commercial purposes is necessary to ensure that the Celtic Tiger continues to roar. - Yours, etc.,
Cllr Deirdre de Burca, Oaklands, Greystones, Co Wicklow.