Madam, - Everyone must welcome the projected rejuvenation of Parnell Square, but one would hope that the proposed improvements will not detract from the dignity of the garden of Remembrance - the only memorial to the 1916 Rising set in place by the Government, as far as I am aware.
A proposal to raise the long pool will not, I hope, displace the beautiful mosaics depicting spears and shields, reminding us of the practice of Celtic warriors to offer their weapons and gold ornaments to the gods after battle by depositing them in pools and lakes.
One hopes, also, that a children's playground in the vicinity will not impinge on the memorial, which is sometimes required for national remembrance events and for display to visiting dignitaries. Would not the adjoining park, now to be reopened to the public, be a more appropriate site?
Finally, how much "animation" (so described) can a Garden of Remembrance withstand? It is surely desirable that the "Miró-style motif" proposed for a prominent paved area, be subjected to advance scrutiny to ascertain its suitability for a site of national importance. - Yours, etc.,
M.M. IRELAND, Priory Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.