sir, - As a resident of Bray for 20 years, and having been involved with working in the community for most of that time, I wish to reply to letters on the proposed development of Bray Esplanade from Liz McManus TD, Cllr Deirdre De Burca and others.
While I understand their concerns, they do not speak for everyone and I reject some of the points made. The esplanade has been in a semi-derelict condition for decades with no significant capital work since the late 1800s.
this can be seen from the condition of the promenade railings, bandstand and kiosks which are in serious need of restoration. This due to a lack of funding locally and nationally for this type of work and a dearth of political will up to now to tackle the problem.
the proposed development of a marina, a new sandy and protected beach with a multi-purpose leisure facility and hotel development, along with high quality residential development, is exactly what Bray Esplanade needs to bring it into the 21st century. The amount of public amenity open space would be greatly increased, not reduced or destroyed as the previous correspondents have stated. This project would go ahead only as a public/private partnership, thereby protecting the rights of both the people of Bray and the thousands of visitors who come to it.
We cannot stand still; we must embrace change. If the great William Dargan and other businessman in the town has not had the vision to bring the railway to Bray in 1854, create the esplanade, build hotels and fine terraces of summer homes - a massive and visionary project at that time - we wouldn't be having this discussion. - Yours, etc.,
D. DeBarra, Elgin Heights, Bray, Co Wicklow.