Sir, - It is not Dublin Corporation's intention to "root up" every cobblestone in Smithfield (Therese Kelly, September 15th). On the contrary, when the current project is completed next December, Ms Kelly will be relieved to know that the square will contain a significantly larger amount of cobbles (both existing and new) than previously. Existing cobbles were lifted, removed and cleaned and are now in the process of being relaid.
This work forms part of a major renewal of Smithfield, Dublin's largest public space. The re-use of the existing cobbles was one of the key elements in the winning design by the Irish-based architects McGarry Ni Eanaigh. When work is completed, the square will be predominately pedestrianised and available to all the citizens of Dublin to be enjoyed through a variety of uses and functions. The decline in the fortunes of Smithfield, particularly since the closure of the Jameson Distillery in the 1960s, was synonymous with that of the inner city, with extensive dereliction and surface car-parking. Thankfully this decline has been arrested and the project now being implemented reflects this change.
Dublin Corporation has not terminated the horse fair, but has instead provided an alternative site nearby while the Smithfield works are in progress. There is no reason why the horse fair cannot return to Smithfield, provided that the issues of residential amenity, public safety and the welfare of the animals are addressed. - Yours, etc.,
Jim Keogan, Project Manager, HARP Integrated Area Plan, Dublin Corporation, Tara Street, Dublin 2.