Sir, - I refer to Mr Murray's letter in your edition of July 24th about the Barrow Street railway works, which I read in a copy of The Irish Times left in my cab following a fare to Dublin Airport. I see little hope in his efforts for preservation.
Prior to my fare to the airport, I had to drop to Pearse Street and witnessed the destruction of two Georgian Houses in Pearse Square (Queen Square). I do praise Dublin Corporation for the nice landscaping of the square, but at what cost? Planing permission in this city appears to be a farce. As I view it on my travels - being a Dub for more years that I care to remember - it would appear developers can do as they wish to destroy our city.
Only recently Cleary's (Royal Oak Public House) near the Ashling Hotel, across the Liffey from Heuston Railway Station, was demolished, although I, as a very keen newspaper reader, was led to believe it was listed for preservation. More recently, I learned to my amazement that Harcourt Station (built circa 1859) is to be changed into a top-class restaurant.
What next, one wonders? Is the continuing destruction of Dublin going to see a McDonald's on the site of the GPO? - Yours, etc.,
Harry Murray,
Ballyboden, Dublin 16.