Sir, - I write to support correspondents who are seriously concerned about the present state of the river Dodder below Rathfarnham.
I am old enough to remember the river when it ran between its own natural banks from Templeogue to Dartry. I remember the tiny cottage by the Dartry weir where a washerwoman hung out sheets over the water - I could never understand how anything dried in that spray-filled atmosphere.
Post-war housing developments and new roads began to alter the environment, the old stone bridges at Orwell Road and Rathfarnham Road were replaced by modern ones, and the unruly river was channelled in its course. Nevertheless it was still a pleasure to walk beside it, and the parks department has done splendid work in planting new trees and maintaining the linear park that brings a touch of the countryside into a now heavily built-up area.
So it is heartbreaking to see this green and leafy environment defiled and ruined by an invasion of caravans and cars, with damaged trees, piles of rubbish on the banks and in the stream, not to mention human excreta which must pose a health hazard. I cannot understand how the Departments of Health and Local Government can inertly allow all this to happen. Surely they should inform the public of what plans, if any, they have to clear up the mess and counter this major nuisance in the heart of South Dublin.
A friend tells me that her dog is seriously ill, and the vet believes he has been poisoned by drinking from the river, possibly by asbestos. This would not be surprising, given the number of cars, fridges, washing machines, etc. that have been dumped in the pools.
A recent campaign about Citizen Traveller expounded the rights of Travellers, but what right has one group of citizens to ruin the amenities of others in such a blatantly irresponsible way? - Yours, etc.,
M. LYNDALL LUCE,
Rathgar,
Dublin 6.