Sir, - It is regrettable to see so many objections to the major proposed developments for Dublin city, in particular the Millennium Spire and the Spencer Dock development which includes the National Conference Centre.
For years our capital physically suffered greatly falling into decay and dilapidation. Streets were reduced to surface car-parks or mere fields hidden by mawkish hoardings. Now, with our good fortune and wealth, we have a chance to make a substantial city of Dublin with landmarks and edifices for the new millennium and future generations.
The Millennium Spire is a magnificent concept, a sort of a futuristic obelisk which would be seen from afar pinpointing the very heart of the city. The Spencer Dock development is a grandiose scheme and would benefit the city financially, physically and visually, transforming an obsolete area into a bustling mini-Manhattan. Its tall buildings would give Dublin docks a magnificent skyline, ridding the capital of the look of a mediocre, post-colonial provincial town.
We in Ireland seem to lack a sense of civic and urban awareness. We have neglected our architecture of the past and fear the architecture of the present and future. Look at the tawdry condition of many buildings, public, commercial, private or residential, modern or old. It is only in recent times that there has been a drive to preserve our architectural heritage and this is due only to international trends. - Yours, etc.,
Gregory Franklin, Oranmore Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10.