Sir, - I write as an old-age pensioner, a citizen and a resident of Dalkey for 45 years. I wish to draw public attention to the proposal by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to designate a portion of Dalkey Quarry as a halting site for the travelling community. Dalkey Quarry is an integral part of Dalkey Hill Park, one of the most beautiful and historic locations along the east coast. The granite from this quarry was used to build Dun Laoghaire harbour, Cork Cathedral and the Mall in London. It is a priceless part of the heritage of County Dublin. Among the many consequences of the present proposal would be the destruction of the wildlife and natural fauna of this site so as to provide a concrete or tarmacadamed surface for caravans and vans.
I find it incredible that politicians and public officials, charged with responsibility for protecting our environment, could even countenance such a proposal as is now under consideration. Are they unaware that Dalkey Hill is used for recreational purposes by people from all over Dublin, for activities ranging from hill-walking to rock-climbing? Have they looked at the width of Ardbrugh Road and considered issues of safety and suitability with regard to this development? Have they considered the fact that Dalkey Quarry becomes flooded during heavy rain?
Surely those who are charged with safeguarding the rights and property of the taxpaying public, and upholding the Development Plan which has hitherto underwritten the lives and circumstances of this community, will need no prompting to shout Stop! to such an obscene misuse of one of the most precious resources along the east coast, and the only public space available to the people of the most heavily populated area in Ireland.
To do otherwise would be an act of wanton public vandalism. - Yours, etc., Edith McDonnell,
Dalkey, Co Dublin.