Sir, – I am writing to you to express my deep frustration with visiting Ireland. I am a regular visitor and a strong supporter and proponent of Ireland – but during the past several visits, I have faced hour-long waits at Dublin Airport because of a decision to keep most of the border inspection booths closed.
It is incomprehensible to me that a country with a need for tourists and investors would be so narrow minded as to intentionally allow these much-needed visitors (and their substantial spending and investment) to stand for an hour or more at Dublin Airport simply because of a decision not to staff the inspection stations.
The first impression that international visitors receive upon touching down at Dublin is that they are essentially not wanted – what else could explain having only three gardaí on duty to handle a half a dozen international flights all scheduled to arrive at the same time?
Ireland is a wonderful country to visit and in which to invest, but first impressions are important – and a visitor’s first impression upon arriving at Dublin Airport is that they really are not welcome. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT B JOHNSTON,
21st Avenue,
Isle of Palms,
South Carolina.