Madam, - It may come to the surprise of many that Cork is designated as European Capital of Culture in 2005.
Whereas other cities such as Glasgow have used the occasion to pour money into major renovation and development, poor funding from central government and lacklustre effort from the business community and local authority in Cork has resulted in a very unprepared city as we begin 2005.
Add to that the mediocre programme of celebrations and lack of publicity and you can see why so many Corkonians are disappointed with the various powers that be for not exploiting the opportunities.
The local media are doing their best to hype up what little has been done, but in reality it seems a lost cause. The recent pockets of redevelopment have been welcome (and indeed planned for years anyway) but all renovations and building work should have been fast-tracked for 2005.
No doubt the people of Cork will turn up to the free shows, but when we see the still-unpainted buildings, grotty quay walls, and rusting lamp-posts, we'll be thinking of what should have been. A lesson to other cities and towns: if you seek out a high profile international event, give it 100 per cent. - Yours, etc.,
S. MAC GIOLLA PHÁDRAIG,
Na Banta,
Corcaigh.