A chara, - In a recent letter, Mr Dennis Gill takes to task the "IT gold-diggers and potholers" who have brought about "the shambolic state of our streets." In truth, the deregulation of the telecommunications market has added a further raft of companies who have the power to dig up roadways, pavements and grass margins without planning permission.
Legislation has been promised on this matter, but I do not believe that this can be enacted in the near future. In the meantime, it is vital that companies and contractors which carry out road openings be kept in check. Fingal County Council has resolved to appoint an official specifically charged with the task of monitoring these road openings, and ensuring that everything is reinstated as it should be. I hope that such an official will be appointed within a month.
I am suggesting through your columns that the other local authorities in greater Dublin appoint a person with similar responsibilities, and that the four local authorities liaise effectively to keep tabs on road contractors. I believe this action would soon have an effect, although the officials appointed would need the tenacity of a rottweiller to get our streets back in tip-top shape. - Is mise,
Cllr. Michael O'Donovan, Dublin 15 Committee, Fingal County Council, Dublin 1.