Sir, – Due to the damage caused by recent storms and the likelihood such storms will become more common in the future, could I suggest Ireland sets up a technical civil defence service along the lines of the German THW (Technisches HilfsWerk)
The THW is capable of helping out in a wide variety of natural/industrial disasters, or earthquakes. It provides technical and logistical support to government organisations in Germany, NGOs and other bodies such as the fire brigade.
For example, the THW was called upon during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They had pumps more powerful than even the US army. The THW is equipped with the best available equipment, is mainly composed of volunteers, but is also staffed by people with specific qualifications such as engineers.
Although the creation and fitting-out of such a technical civil defence service would perhaps cost several million euro; it would save money in the long-term, if it helped to mitigate the effects of climate change in Ireland. – Yours, etc,
GERARD HANNEY-
LaBASTILLE,
Rue du Kiem,
Luxembourg.
Sir, – What an ironic situation! Thousands of most unfortunate people throughout the country suffering from a devastating surplus of water while at the same time these self-same citizens are about to be charged to have water supplied to their homes and having meters installed.
The indifference displayed over many years by local authorities and successive governments to the continuing deteriorating state of the water pipe system with its massive leakages beggars belief. We all pay for it now. “God save Ireland”. – Yours, etc,
STANLEY BELFORD,
Merville Road,
Stillorgan,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – With so much opposition to wind turbines, it seems unlikely that Ireland can now make use of the wind that’s freely available.
The people who oppose every alternative to the burning of fossil fuels are also mostly against whatever is suggested. Yet these same people want to live in the 21st century with all its conveniences. As a real alternative, has anyone thought about building a tidal generating station on the Shannon below Limerick?
At Limerick the tidal difference is the greatest in Ireland and varies between 5 metres and in excess of 6 metres. It would necessitate the building of a dam across the river. This which undoubtedly would be costly but, once built, it would operate for centuries, generating electricity on both the incoming and outgoing tides. Gates could operate to allow the small amount of shipping that now uses Limerick port and also provision could be made to allow migratory fish through. The dam would also protect Limerick against flooding caused by storms and spring tides. Would the Luddites be opposed to this? – Yours etc,
NOEL BYRNE,
Riverstown,
Birr, Co Offaly.