Sir, - In light of the recent decision by the Garda authorities to include "pedestrians on road" as part of Operation Lifesaver, the time has arrived for the provision of proper footpaths in newly created suburban areas.
Over the past 10 years Fingal County Council has seen fit to grant planning permission for no fewer than 11 separate residential developments in the Donabate area, totalling almost 1,200 dwellings - but none of these homes has a continuous footpath to a school, chapel, shop, bus stop, train station of pub.
As we move closer to a totally car-dependent culture, the non-motorists of this area lucky enough to avoid not being hit by a car also risk prosecution for jaywalking! - Yours, etc.,
Paul Martin
Seaview Park, Portrane, Co Dublin.