Sir, – Your report regarding the possible closure of the two sports centres in "disadvantaged areas" of Dublin refers to the decision of Pobal recommending against ongoing funding ("Sports centres in disadvantaged areas at risk of closure", April 7th).
The right of this largely unaccountable body to make such a decision seems not to be questioned at all.
That such issues in real democracies would be a matter for the local government system seems to be ignored by many. I will not do so.
Pobal was one of those creations of national government to divert accountable, pragmatic decision-making from those closest to communities in favour of making decisions best appreciated by those already in power during the last few decades. It continued a record of active anti-democratic measures by a government department that has the arrogance to include the words “community” and “local government” in its title.
If we want to see sports centres such as the ones in Inchicore and Crumlin retained and real local development strengthened and enhanced in the years ahead, closing agencies such as Pobal and the not the centres named is the way forward. I don’t expect it to happen though. The permanent government in the Custom House and other department holds too much power to ever let it go. Ireland, and particularly those disadvantaged communities, will continue to be the loser as long as that is the case. – Yours, etc,
Cllr DERMOT LACEY,
Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.