Sir, In the "In Time's Eye" column of August 15th, Y quotes from an article in Figaro about the use of reeds to deal with sewage. We do not need to go to France to find such systems. They have been used successfully in Ireland for over 30 years. According to the article, the snag with these systems is that they require 10 square metres per human input and cost up to £200 per person. I have successfully built, commissioned and tested systems costing a fraction of this, and using less than five square metres per person. At present I have a system at the design stage for a town of 1,250 which will cost a fraction of the £200 per person mentioned by Y. The article states that there are about 15 such installations in France and in Europe. I personally have designed and installed over 25 systems in Ireland and I know of others. - yours, etc., Ciaran Costello,
Cappagh,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.