Sir, - I refer to the letter (July 23rd) from the chairman of an Taisce, Mr Con very, regarding the financing of the redevelopment of the Temple Bar area.
He suggests that it has "cost the Irish taxpayer £80 million, or an average of £80 from every house holder in Ireland". His equations omit many factors, including PAYE paid by builders, corporation tax paid by building companies, PAYE to be paid for many years to come by those working in the arts and in retail in the area, corporation tax from the numerous new businesses, and a huge annual spend by tourists.
It is certainly possible that. over time, the Revenue Commissioners will be in the black regarding successive governments' far sighted commitment to Temple Bar. Yours etc.,
Chief executive officer, MusicBase, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.