Madam, - Frank McDonald's article of September 10th on noise levels in Dublin's Temple Bar once again highlights how far we have strayed from the original vision for this area.
The strategy was that Temple Bar should become "a bustling cultural, residential and small business precinct that will attract visitors in significant numbers".
While it has succeeded in attracting significant numbers, many visitors are drawn to what were once small pubs but are now monster drinking emporiums. They are coming late at night causing severe distress to residents.
Somewhere along the way the brief for Temple Bar was hijacked to the advantage of publicans and this was aided by the authorities.
The fact that the CEO of the controlling body was a board member of the local traders' representative group, which is dominated by the interests of publicans, is just one example of where lines became blurred. This is akin to the Minister for Finance being on the executive council of Ibec.
Ironically, while most of the big emporiums are now in private hands, it is the rent from small businesses that pays the salaries of the executives controlling the area.
In 2003, as a city councillor, I raised the whole issue of the stewardship of Temple Bar. The then city manager, John Fitzgerald, rejected any criticism of the management of the area and was forced to act only when elected representatives voted overwhelmingly to support my motion calling for initiatives to improve the lot of residents and small business.
Despite this, the publicans' agenda clearly continues to predominate. This is not in the interests of the community or the city. In fact it is not good for publicans themselves in the long run.
There is an awful lot that is good about Temple Bar but the major problems must be faced and addressed. The vision of culture, innovation and vibrant community is capable of being rescued, but this will require a dose of reality, some imagination and a lot of will.
It may be time for Dublin City Council to take back direct control of the area. - Yours, etc,
CHRIS ANDREWS TD,
Dáil Éireann,
Dublin 2.
Madam, - I read with interest your Editorial of September 10th on the Tidy Towns Competition. I was a little disappointed, to say the least, that you remained silent on the fact that Temple Bar emerged victorious in the annual Tidy Towns Competition, having been named Dublin city's tidiest area for the first time ever.
Over the years we have received our fair share of both good and bad news stories; however, given the significance of this achievement I would be delighted if The Irish Times made a little noise about our very notable achievement.
Your Editorial also stated that "no matter how committed a local community is they are effectively handicapped if there is not a genuine commitment by the local authority responsible for their area". We whole-heartedly agree with this sentiment. TASCQ are extremely fortunate to have the support of Dublin City Council who deserve much credit for our recent success. - Yours, etc,
MARTIN HARTE,
Director, TASCQ
(Traders in the area supporting the cultural quarter),
Eustace Street,
Temple Bar,
Dublin 2.