Forces gather at Clontarf for Battle of Flood Barrier

WHAT CLASS of geniuses in the corpo thought it a good idea to deprive the country of the stunning maritime sweep that is the view of Dublin Bay from the road as it runs north of the city? This lovely amenity, "from swerve of shore to bend of bay", belongs to all Dubliners and is the envy of many a capital city without such a gem on its doorstep. That quote comes from the opening line of Finnegans Wake– a book that's right up there with the city planners when it comes to making little sense.

Recent news that the city council was intending to build an enormous flood barrier along the green lung that frames the promenade walk in Clontarf has caused consternation in the immediate area and further afield.

Not least among the local politicians. Anger, fuelled by some wounded pride that they were sold a dummy by the planners, saw Labour’s deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin leading the charge, with councillors Damian O’Farrell (Finian McGrath’s sidekick) and Naoise Ó Muirí (Minister Richard Bruton’s sidekick) and Deirdre Heney ably galloping along in support.

But what about Junior Minister Brian Hayes, who is in charge of the OPW? In the Dáil on Thursday, Brian distanced himself from the project, saying it was the local authority’s responsibility.

It’s an awkward one for Brian, given he is from Clontarf and lived there until he defected to West Dublin in search of a Dáil seat. His moves are being closely watched in Dublin North Central, where colleague Richard Bruton is the darling of the Clontarf matrons. If an alternative plan is not found, Richard may find himself a victim of this modern-day battle of Clontarf.

Which would be ironic, given that the 1,000th anniversary of the battle is just around the corner in 2014. The last thing the Vikings saw from their longboats after Brian Boru sent them packing was that bend of bay. With three years to go to the millennium, and the planned international celebration, visitors to Clontarf won’t be able to see what the Vikings could see when they arrive (unless they sail over). Seán Dublin Bay Loftus must be turning in his grave.

There’s a march on tomorrow afternoon at 3pm from the iconic Wooden Bridge at the Bull Wall – it’ll be a walking Environmental Impact Study for the council to chew over.

The planners will be urged to find another way, saving that beautiful sea walk and lovely view for everyone to enjoy, like the generations before them.

Not just those lucky people who live in Clontarf and have a newspaper column. Like me.