Madam, - Kevin Myers (May 13th) refers to the great affection the people of Dublin have for the seafront at Dún Laoghaire. Small wonder, therefore, that the recently unveiled plans by the council to develop the site have caused so much consternation.
The baths site has lain derelict for over 15 years. Local people are keen to have them redeveloped, but any redevelopment must be appropriate and fit the architectural and maritime context. The current plans fail in this regard.
Much is made of the enhanced public amenities which will result from this development. But promises for libraries, ice rinks and other amenities were made before and did not materialise.
A public plaza, which could be turned seasonally into an ice rink or skateboard park, already exists outside the ferry terminal. Why are we not developing existing open spaces for public use rather than developing into the sea? The whole ambience and character of the seafront will change and views of the sea will be greatly diminished.
As a public representative who has served on Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in the past, I am acutely aware of the need for the county to expand its rates base to raise money to fund local services. The proposed development would generate much-needed revenue for the council but why can't a more suitable location be found?
The town of Dún Laoghaire suffered, and still suffers, from an ill-judged planning decision taken many years ago when permission was given to develop the Dún Laoghaire Shopping Centre on Marine Road.
We must not make the same mistake again. This development would be more than welcome if it were relocated to the present shopping centre site. 180 apartments and a retail complex belong inland, and not as an interruption to Scotsman's Bay.
Whatever the merits of the design, the current plans are literally and metaphorically at sea and will in no way enhance the beautiful Victorian townscape which characterises the Dún Laoghaire coastline. - Yours, etc,
FIONA O'MALLEY TD, Dáil Éireann, Dublin 2.