Sir, - It is comforting to know that there is a clear consensus shared by Government, Dublin Corporation and the Dublin Transportation Office that parking policy in the centre of the city must be geared towards meeting the needs of short-term parkers, rather than commuters", as stated in The Irish Times of February 27th. But is that the view of the people of Dublin? I doubt it, despite the fact that many of our public representatives have allowed themselves to be persuaded that the policy enjoys public support.
Only a referendum among the communities of interests concerned can determine this issue. These would include the four local authorities (not just Dublin Corporation) where the commuters live. As it is well within the powers of these authorities to organise such a referendum, could I suggest that your paper could serve the development of local democracy, by now campaigning for such a referendum to be held on this and other transport issues?
I think that the authorities mentioned above would be very surprised at the outcome. Perhaps that is why such a referendum has been so studiously avoided! - Yours etc.
Pine Valley, Grange Road, Dublin 16.