A chara, – I am dejected that in regard to the proposed sale of Coillte forests there is no discussion about the environmental and recreational impact. Disregard of the key environmental consideration of our life and society is typical of the mindset of the bankers, developers and politicians that led to ugly, useless housing estates littered throughout our land and a society in tatters. These people robbed us of so much of our lives and now these same people wish to take away recreational activities in Coillte forests enjoyed by tourists and locals.
The money paid for these forests, probably by both An Taoiseach’s and Assad’s friends in the Chinese dictatorship, will be trivial compared to the loss of the forest recreation activities and the environmental carnage that will result as they come, ravage and leave. I forecast that in years to come the damage and land destruction costs, which will be foisted on us again, due to wholesale forest destruction and acidic run-off from cleared Sitka spruce plantations will run into billions. This puts our agricultural industry at risk – which is economic lunacy.
We have one of the lowest forest coverage in the world and need to increase our hard wood forest cover and maximise the eco-recreational activity of our forests. This has a value way beyond this stupid and disgusting devastation of our land. All of this constant anti-citizen damage is making people such as I seriously consider leaving this country, as there is just nothing here to be a part of, and soon nowhere even for a much needed walk in the forests. What’s the cost then? – Is mise,
A chara, – The news that the Government wishes to sell its stake in Aer Lingus when conditions are ripe is deeply disappointing. It lacks foresight and smacks of selling the family silver to pay the gas bill. This decision also risks damage to the Irish economy.
Ireland is an island and therefore needs an excellent air infrastructure to provide access to external markets. London Heathrow is a global hub and access to it is vital for Ireland’s connectivity to the world. Inbound tourism and exports have been cited as key elements in our economic recovery. Any decision regarding the future of the Government’s shareholding in Aer Lingus should also be informed by its aviation policy, specifically the need to support connectivity for Ireland and competition in the aviation sector generally.
The reason PayPal would open a new European operations hub in Dundalk is not only because of the business acumen and hospitable nature of the Irish people, but also because of Dundalk’s accessibility and connectivity, underpinned by the Aer Lingus service at Dublin Airport. This includes connectivity to London Heathrow and the transatlantic services.
The Government should be acutely aware that, while selling its stake might not mean key flight services would stop overnight, it would be absolutely powerless to influence route changes or indeed to stop the airline being taken over by an undesirable entity in the future.
The Government would be well advised to abort its current flight plan to avoid further turbulence to an already shaky Irish economy. – Is mise,