Madam, - Once again Kevin Myers has crafted a perfect example of informative journalism in his troubling article on the disquiet concerning Barrettstown Gang Camp in Ballymore Eustace (An Irishman's Diary, April 8th). As a resident of Ballymore I too must declare an interest in the future of the Readymix application.
While Mr Myers has concentrated on the effects this development would have on the Gang Camp it would also have a detrimental effect on the whole surrounding area.
Unfortunately this is not the only threat to our "special status" village. We are also faced with a huge landfill, plans for a large housing estate, unsympathetic village development and other applications to fill disused pits with waste.
Ballymore Eustace is, however, taking a strong defensive stance on these issues. Our community development association, fishing club and ordinary people are making their objections known in the strongest possible manner.
A voluntary group, the Association for Ballymore Eustace Controlled Development, of which I am a member, has taken a spearhead role in the defence of our village. Our aim, "to promote the sustainable development of our special status village while preserving the unique quality of life and living environment of our community", is leading to a running battle with both developers and local authorities.
Many other communities are facing the same problems and their best option - in fact their only option - is to organise and fight back.
I hope we can continue to depend on journalists of the calibre of Kevin Myers to alert us to these threats before they overcome us. - Yours, etc.,
MIKE EDWARDS, Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare.