Sir, - May I compliment Frank McDonald on his excellent article on the changing face of Dublin city, especially the northside ("Capital Gains", Weekend, February 27th). There are phenomenal redevelopment projects in the north city area, extending from the IFSC and Connolly Station across to the superb new National Museum at the former Collins Barracks. In between there has been huge residential regeneration with formerly ugly, vacant and derelict sites being developed, the whole Smithfield area being revitalised, long-established residential areas like Ormond Square being delightfully renovated, a magnificent new street repaving scheme for Henry Street and Mary Street now under way, and the whole O'Connell Street plan, including its new centrepiece monument, to come soon.
It's fantastic to see this part of Dublin, which for many decades seemed to be forgotten, enjoying tremendous commercial and public investment. And it will be all to the good for our whole city. Dublin Corporation is demonstrating an exciting level of leadership and drive in declaring its vision of what Dublin city should be. I hope that it will have all our support for that. It's time to see a united Dublin, with all interests working co-operatively and vigorously to see a vibrant exciting city over the next few years. - Yours, etc., Ed McDonald, Chief Executive, Henry Street Mary Street, Partnership,
Dublin 1.