FROM THE ARCHIVES:The development of Dublin's natural amenities is always a matter for vigorous debate, as evidenced by this editorial. – JOE JOYCE
IT IS not difficult to conceive such uses of Dublin’s natural amenities as should yield a city notable among its peers for comfort and beauty. The difficulty which stands in the way of that consummation is the lack of an articulate public opinion, formed by wise counsel and enlightened by discussion. An example of the need for a larger consultation of the popular will, of the need for a clear public conception of the city’s future, is seen in the proposal to which the Dublin Correspondent of The Sunday Times alluded yesterday under the title of “An Irish Coney Island”. This proposal is for the formation of a salt-water lake at Dollymount by the enclosure of the area between the Bull and the mainland with sluice-gates. An area of 1,000 acres is concerned; and, in the absence of expert engineering opinion to the contrary, the plan appears to be easily feasible.
The excogitators of the scheme propose that the salt lake formed shall be called “the Blue Lagoon.” It is, we think, an unfortunate title in a land which possesses so attractive a word as “lough” for the description of a lake; unfortunate, because so artificial a term savours of the artificial lakes at public exhibitions rather than of an expanse of pure sea water. For what purpose are we invited to consider the formation of “a unique inland lake with a marine drive on its northern fringe, and a marine park of 600 acres to the south, an ideal spot for motor-racing, seaplane landing, aquatic sports and paddling pools far superior to the attractions of the same kind at Morecambe or Southport?”
Few citizens of sagacity, we think, would favour large expenditure on so speculative an enterprise as rivalry with Morecambe and Southport.
If, on the other hand, the scheme is devised for the greater enjoyment of their surroundings by the citizens of Dublin, it must command the sympathetic interest of all men of public spirit. It is a main complaint against men of little vision that insufficient use is made of Dublin’s opportunities. We have commended more than once the start that was made in the building of a boulevard along the Clontarf seafront. We would like to see that start carried to a conclusion and ultimately capped – if it is proved feasible – by the formation of the proposed sea lough at its extremity.
Let such as these be the lines pursued, step by step, in a systematic development of Dublin, and we yet, though lacking palatial buildings or the apparatus of opulence, may behold a city on Dublin Bay that shall be dignified by spacious public walks and rendered salubrious by a wise employment of nature. It is not desirable, and it never would prove economic, to strive to commercialise Dublin’s natural charms. At Dollymount unspoiled nature still waits to soothe the visitor. Let her charms not be exorcised by the jazz band, the nigger minstrel and the hurdy-gurdy.
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