Sir, – Figures from the Housing Commission indicate a need to build up to 256,000 “homes” (News, May 21st) but nobody is calling for the need to build neighbourhoods or communities.
Everyone needs a roof over their head, but in this modern world, we need more than mere shelter – we need to live together with a network of support around us. Housing estates without local transport, health services, creches, schools, a place of worship, sports grounds, recreational facilities, assisted living amenities, shops, etc, will never become communities.
There will always be someone ready to exploit vulnerable young people or take advantage of those living isolated from family or friends.
Without the capacity to bring people together, in a community environment, unruliness and bad behaviour usually follow.
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We need neighbourhoods, not just housing estates. – Yours, etc,
BARBARA KELLY,
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.