Sir, - The Abbey Theatre needs more space. It is an institution which predates the foundation of the State and has played an important role in its creation and development. As an artistic institution, it has served the nation well particularly in fostering the talents of Irish playwrights. It has over many years brought international recognition and acclaim to Ireland and has been in existence for almost a 100 years
One of the sites identified as a possible new home for the Abbey is the old Carlton cinema on O'Connell Street. There is apparently sufficient space. The question of access by public transport does not arise as O'Connell Street is "An Lar" where each day an array of buses congregate. There is also ample parking space in adjacent multi-story car parks which are under-utilised at night.
The debate on the transfer to the Southside doesn't arise; O'Connell Street is on the Northside. The removal to some other public representative's constituency does not arise; O'Connell Street is in the same constituency as the present Lower Abbey Street site.
The choice of the O'Connell Street site would promote the Abbey (and indeed theatre) from a side-street to the main drag. In addition, O'Connell Street is an historically appropriate home for the National Theatre, being the principal thoroughfare of the capital city.
It provided the real theatre of the pivotal seizure by force of arms of the General Post Office and statues of O'Connell and Parnell, Catholic and Protestant, two great 19th century parliamentary nationalist leaders, impose their presence at either end of its broad expanse. O'Connell Street deserves an establishment of quality and substance. The Abbey is entitled to a site of public significance. - Yours, etc.,
R. John McBratney, Percy Place, Dublin 4.