Sir, - May I thank you and your journalist, Frank McDonald, for his report on Powerscourt House (August 5th).
I read it with a great feeling of sadness at such excessive commercialisation. I will understand the Honourable Desmond Guinness's feelings and reaction.
The people of Europe and America have been so good to this country by giving funds for all kinds of projects including preserving our heritage. It is time that our Government responded by using a compulsory purchase order to obtain Powerscourt and Carton Estates, also in danger from excessive commercialism. These two estates are internationally famous as the finest in Ireland and are among the best of their kind in the world. It has been stated that it would cost £60 million to restore Powerscourt fully. I believe this figure to be far in excess of what might be needed. - Yours, etc.,
Terenure Road West, Dublin 6W.