Sir, - Your readers may be aware of a Dublin Corporation proposal to facilitate the permanent closure and erection of gates on the Parnell Street junction of North Great George's Street in the centre of Dublin.
This proposal is currently going through the planning process and I would strenuously request that all objectors make their objections known to the Principal Planning Officer at City Hall.
North Great George's Street is a planned 18th-century street whose vista is closed at the top of the hill by the magnificent Belvedere House. The planned closure will obstruct this view and close off an access route which the city inhabitants, both vehicular and pedestrian, have enjoyed for over 200 years.
In addition, the security of the area will be gravely compromised by the proposed closure as it will inhibit the movement of both garda and other emergency and service vehicles.
There has been virtually no public debate about this unprecedented action. I have lived on this inner city street for 15 years and have chosen to be a part of the wonderful renewal and regeneration of the city centre. I am dismayed to find that it is now proposed to convert my area to a suburban "close" which arrogantly turns it back on the city of which it has been an integral part for so long. - Yours, etc.,
J. Brian Walsh, North Great George's Street, Dublin 1.