A chara, - The mercenary attitude of successive governments towards our living environment is once again underlined by the actions of Wicklow County Council in the Glen of the Downs. The imminent destruction of 1,700 trees in one of the last stands of native woodland is a continuation of the colonial economic orthodoxy of exploitation that led to the total destruction of Irish woodlands in the 17th century.
Since the foundation of the State, no attempt has been made by any government to replant even a token few acres of indigenous broadleaf woodland for the nation, while there is still a seedbase to work from. It is a task beyond the reach of the individual citizen, but could be easily and cheaply begun by any half-concerned government and it would be an enlightened and vital beginning to the new Millennium.
Unfortunately the short-sighted, financially-orientated policies which various governments and their departments apply to the living environment, as personified by the action of Wicklow County Council in the Glen of the Downs, is in all likelihood the ugly reality we will bequeath to our children's generations. - Is mise.,
From Murt Mac Garraidhe,
Johnstown, Duncormick, Co Wexford.