Sir, - An event of no national importance occurred in Lucan recently that I wish to inform you of - not because of its mere local importance, but because, in my view, it exemplifies the current state of politics in Ireland.
A branch of McDonald's opened here recently in the Superquinn complex, in the Esker area of Lucan. The complex is in a highly residential area - an area that was struggling to cope with the traffic demands brought by the complex itself. There are also two schools in the direct vicinity.
The expected increase in the volume of traffic in the area with the McDonald's branch coupled with the amount of pedestrian traffic in the area will only end in tragedy. A petition was signed by 800 locals about two years ago against McDonald's. It was not wanted. Guess who won? McDonald's opened one week ago. An Bord Pleanala, in its infinite wisdom, chose to ignore those who would be affected.
Within one hour of its opening, I counted six empty french-fry cartons on my street. If the rate of one chip-carton every 10 minutes is maintained, McDonald's could well be responsible for the dumping of up to 52,560 cartons per year on my street alone!
Is this not typical of Ireland today, where a fried slice of corporate cow is deemed more important than the right to democracy? It seems that the word "No" is always followed by "problem" when the State "defends" local interests against global corporations. One must ask which is more important in 21st century Ireland - human opinion or the business banknote? I realise that many businessmen have rightly earned their silver spoon, but that doesn't mean it's up to us to lick it clean. - Yours, etc,
Sean Carabini, Lucan, Co Dublin.