Madam, - Recent correspondence on the temporary use of the Natural History Museum for the Seanad should be put in the context of the "temporary" asphalting of Leinster Lawn over a decade ago.
This was allegedly to enable the construction of extensive facilities in the north wing of Leinster House.
Some years after completion of these works, with the "temporary" car park still in place, the matter was the subject of a question in the Seanad. A reply stated that resolution would have to await the initiation of a public-private partnership project to construct an underground car park.
It was not revealed how the entrepreneurial community might be motivated to provide free car parking to public representatives whose attendance averages fewer than 60 days a year.
In the meantime, a modicum of grass has been planted at the Oireachtas end of the Lawn and Seán or Síle Citizen may gaze up the tailpipes from Merrion Square.
Pending the restoration of the museum building for long-term use (offices for Seanad secretaries, maybe?) it would be advisable for us to question how our Government has been addressing its custodianship of this historic and cultural complex, bequeathed to the nation by the Royal Dublin Society almost a century ago.
I await the outcome without bated breath. - Yours, etc,
MILO KANE,
Bettyglen,
Dublin 5.