TERRY CRAWFORD,
Sir, - My heart went out to Andrea Service (December 24th) when I read how distraught she has become at the prospect of further desecration to Luttrellstown Castle estate by grasping golf developers. I'm sure she would have sobbed herself to sleep many a night during the past 10 years had Mr Robert O'Byrne also informed her about the activities of these landscape rapists at Mount Juliet, Straffan House, Carton Estate, Headfort Estate, Powerscourt, Druid's Glen and Tulfarris House.
But before she breaks down completely, can I point out that in the design of all these new courses by world famous golf architects, not one single tree was felled. The layouts are such that the trees are a feature of the courses and, in all cases mentioned, hundreds more trees were planted. There has been no interference whatever with colour, perspective, light or shade. Any reconfiguration of the landscape has been undertaken with taste and skill.
If she cares to take a stroll around the existing course at Luttrellstown she cannot fail to be impressed by the newly created freshwater lakes, fed from a tributary of the river Liffey, which provide secure habitats for a wide variety of wildfowl. Indeed, the pheasants are so tame they almost come up and say hello to you. It is truly a delightful place.
Might I enquire if either Ms Service or Mr O'Byrne has done any research into the numbers of Irish people who had an opportunity to visit any of these estates before the dreaded developers took over? As far as I am aware, the estates were the property of the landed gentry, access being restricted to the owners' hunting, shooting and fishing guests and, of course, the lowly-paid estate workers.
Now, happily, these former manifestations of class distinction have been transformed into renowned sporting venues that give pleasure to thousands of Irish golfing enthusiasts and attract multitudes of foreign visitors annually.
Had the developers not arrived, some of the mansions would have fallen into decay and ruin for lack of maintenance. Hosting the Ryder Cup and European Tour events at these courses will enhance Ireland's image abroad to an extent that no country estate ever could, be it a work of art or not. - Yours , etc.,
TERRY CRAWFORD,
Offington Lawn,
Sutton,
Dublin 13.