Sir. - Laura Magahy has proposed that the redevelopment of Dublin's docks be adorned by a cultural jewel on the scale of the Sydney Opera House. I would question whether the provision of such a facility is the best choice for a millennium, flagship project for Ireland. It smacks hugely of a new cultural fascism which places many of Ireland's other needs to the back of the queue.
There is no doubt that culture has made a tremendous impact on Ireland of the 1990s. Equally, there is no doubt that it has enjoyed unprecedented support from both the public and private sectors. However, it has to be pointed out that if given the opportunity, sport is potentially a more powerful catalyst and contributor on all levels; socially, economically and infrastructurally. Unfortunately, sport has been given a cursory nod by successive governments, with the result that its potential has never been pursued and in many cases, even understood.
Dublin city centre has a plethora of cultural venues, including the new Temple Bar centres and studios. I can take my pick from a vast array of plays, shows, recitals, readings, films and gigs. This is as it should be. Yet, in the same area, there are primary schools which have no access to any kind of sports facilities. There are stadia, swimming pools and local halls dotted around the country which are crumbling into decay and obsolescence. An example of the gross underfunding of sport is illustrated by the Recreational Facilities Scheme. Advertised in February. 1994, the sports section of the Department of Education received 1,400 applications totalling £57 million, making the actual moneys available of £3.652 million, akin to trying to save the Titanic with a roll of sticky black plastic and a squeezy bottle.
If we are to crown the docks development with a national project of "grand vision", surely it should be a facility which will have the widest appeal and use while filling a need in Ireland's infrastructure. The construction of a modern multipurpose indoor arena, such as the one in Barcelona or Paris, would accommodate both sporting and cultural events and provide a facility badly needed by the country. Financially, it would attract capital from both the private and public sectors and its flexibility would allow it to be run commercially rather than be continually subsidised by the tax payer. Importantly, such a facility would also provide a powerful anchor for urban renewal, attracting thousands of people into the area each week.
Sport is, perhaps, ten years behind culture but things are beginning to change. The provision of a multipurpose sport and entertainment arena, would be a start in encouraging sport to reach its potential, not as a sepiatinged memory but as a vital contributor to modern Ireland. - Yours etc
Dublin International Sports
Council,
Merrion Square.
Dublin 2.