Madam, - Paul Cullen's recent article on Airfield House should serve as a wake-up call to the people of Dundrum and Dublin.
The Overend sisters, Naomi and Letitia, bequeathed a magnificent gift to the people of Dublin, decreeing that the house and farm in Dundrum be preserved for the benefit of future generations. Angela Lemass is right when she says: "This is a unique treasure left to us by the generosity of the two sisters, but is not ours to sell off or squander".
However, the danger signs are there. One developer has expressed an interest and is quoted as having "talked to the trust on and off but has not done any deal". In relation to the provision of roads and services I am sure the developer has already made significant profits on his investment in this area and must not be granted any special rights or concessions. Also the plans of the council must be scrutinised and its actions monitored closely.
Airfield Trust was established to administer and protect this gift on behalf of the people of Dublin. The gift is priceless. Nothing must be done to undermine or change that position without the full knowledge and consent of the people.
No one person or group can be allowed to make any decision in this regard without that consent. That consent can only be achieved by a plebiscite of all the people of Dublin.
Local residents' groups and organisations can play a major role in ensuring that the wishes of Naomi and Letitia Overend and the interests of the people of Dublin are protected for generations to come. - Yours, etc.,
TOM JACKMAN,
Arklow,
Co Wicklow.