Madam, – Recently released data tell us that the problem of “ghost estates” is even more extensive than previously thought (Breaking News, October 21st).
I always took the term “ghost” to refer to the spiritual remnant of something that once lived and breathed. In relation to many of these housing estates, this is clearly not the case, and never will be.
It is difficult to think of a more fitting testament to the worst excesses of the Celtic Tiger. The ghost estate neatly encapsulates or more accurately, is the physical embodiment of many of the mistakes for which we are now paying such a heavy price. Tax breaks for developers, no regard for proper planning at either a local or national level and irresponsible lending (and borrowing) all formed the rickety foundations upon which such estates were constructed and which have ultimately crumbled.
Within this context, ripping these dead estates down and starting again might signal that lessons have been learned. – Yours, etc,