Sir, - May 27th marks the arrival two years ago of the first tree dwellers at the Glen o' the Downs - and the start of the most widely publicised environmental campaign known in Ireland. The latest chapter is our successful application to take our case to the Supreme Court.
The impact of the campaign has been enormous in that it has encouraged all levels of society to think about the challenge we face in developing an economic model that does not irrevocably destroy the gifts of the natural world.
We believe that to work with and not against nature is the logical way to proceed; the principle of sustainability must be taken on board if we are to survive into the next millennium.
With this in mind, we are extending our campaign to include modified plans for the road widening through the Glen. We propose that by utilising the present broad hard shoulders and grass verges it is possible to have a four-lane motorway, whilst preserving the integrity of the Glen's eco-system, which still maintains a cohesion between the intersected east and wide sides. For example, deer cross from west to east at night to drink at the stream. Any major development would put an end to this ancient connection. Why - when it can be avoided?
We are also supporting the EarthWatch campaign for an integrated public transport system, without which we will continue to be faced with more and more Glen o' the Downs-type scenarios. - Yours, etc., Maria Mason,
Glen o' Downs tree vigil, Co Wicklow.