Sir, – I was saddened to hear that the church bells of St Bartholomew's church on Clyde Road are to be silenced due to a noise complaint (Front page, September 21st). I can understand Dublin City Council is compelled to act on such complaints, but this is not music from an acid house rave or drunken party; and a sense of civic mindedness is required.
Would the city authorities silence Big Ben or the peal of Notre Dame following a noise complaint? These bells have rung out for 130 years – since long before the complainant heard them or perhaps moved in next to them. These pleasant noises are what makes up the fabric of a city; and part of our soul will be lost if they are silenced. What next, a time switch on birds to quell the dawn chorus? – Yours, etc,
DAMIEN OWENS,
The Paddocks,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.