PAUL CLINTON,
Sir, - Recent letters in your columns and a feature by your Environment Editor have promoted the desirability of siting a new Abbey Theatre as part of a development associated with the former Carlton Cinema on O'Connell Street. We disagree for three reasons.
Firstly, the Abbey Theatre should remain on its foundations for historical/cultural reasons. The Abbey was the first repertory theatre in the English-speaking world - and remains the most famous theatre brand name in the US. The street also, of course, accounts for the theatre's name. Furthermore, the interests of the city are best served by such a major cultural institution remaining in that relatively forgotten part of town - rather than moving to O'Connell Street or any "Cappuccino district".
Secondly, the Carlton site is owned by the Carlton Group, which intends to pursue a different scheme for which it already has planning permission.
Thirdly, that scheme provides for unique and major elements of public good. For example the planning permission obtained by the Carlton Group together with an agreement with An Taisce provide for arthouse cinemas, permanent homes for the Dublin Film Festival and the Dublin Writers' Festivcal, a high standard of design, the elimination of fast-food and pound-shop uses, the rejuvenation of the markets on Moore Street, scholarships for local people and a general preponderance of attractive and mixed uses.
For civic, cultural and planning reasons the Abbey should be rebuilt on Abbey Street where it will rise again as a cultural beacon and a charismatic counterpoint to the redevelopment of the Carlton site. - Yours, etc.,
PAUL CLINTON, Chief Executive, the Carlton Group;
ULICK O'CONNOR, Council Member, the Abbey Theatre;
MICHAEL SMITH, Chairman, An Taisce,Tailors Hall, Dublin 8.