Sir, – Even if it has some superficial dazzle in the short term, the proposal to introduce a large new jetty to Dún Laoghaire harbour to accommodate cruise liners seems desperately ill-considered. Alison Hackett ("Cruise ships proposal for Dún Laoghaire should be rejected", Opinion & Analysis, August 5th) rightly calls it a titanic error. The scale of the development means that it will inevitably be a desecration of an engineering and architectural masterpiece. Not only will the jetty itself be a huge intrusion, its development for vessels with the draught of large cruise ships will require dredging and perhaps blasting on a large scale. At what cost and what consequence?
In preference to chasing the chimaera of the cruise ship, attention might be given to appreciating the bicentenary of the harbour (built mainly during 1816-1821) in an appropriate manner.
We could start by recognising that the future potential of this great recreational resource is locked in with protecting it as a heritage structure of both Irish and international significance. – Yours, etc,
ARNOLD HORNER
Glenageary,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – I can’t comment on the pros and cons of opening a super terminal to accommodate large cruise ships at Dún Laoghaire port. What I do know is that since Liverpool did just that not so long ago at its Pier Head landing stage, the city has been energised, the local economy given a significant boost and the iconic image of its waterfront given global exposure. This city – the 33rd county – has always been a welcoming place, and the input of having so many visitors using the cruise ships has simply reinforced the view that Liverpool is the place to visit, again and again. – Yours, etc,
FRANK GREANEY,
Formby, Liverpool.
Sir, – Dún Laoghaire harbour is not suitable for supersized cruise ships, as pointed out by Alison Hackett. The cruise ships proposed by Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company are indeed “floating skyscrapers”. They are higher than Liberty Hall, they are over 300 metres in length and they would dominate and block views across the harbour.
The environmental and visual aspects of the proposed €18 million development are significant. The proposed 435-metre cruise berth pier would extend through the centre of the harbour, almost cutting it in half. The harbour would need to be dredged for 850 metres to allow access to these monsters, and the dredging would need to be repeated continuously.
Dublin Port is investing €230 million to redevelop the Alexandra Basin to include a twin-berth cruise liner facility beside the Point Depot. Having two large and expensive cruise ship facilities within five miles of each other makes no sense. – Yours, etc,
FERGAL McLOUGHLIN,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.