Sir, - As the weekend approaches, I flick instinctively to the cinema page of The Irish Times in search of some cultural respite and entertainment. Alas, my choice is now severely hampered by the demise of the Lighthouse Cinema, a venue that has consistently provided those of us eager to see world class cinema, with films of a standard and innovation rarely seen on other screens.
I support wholeheartedly the Lighthouse's view that this is not the end, but rather an intermission, and I call on those with influence in the area of funding to make the reopening of this cinema a real priority. Ireland has proved itself to be a successful location for the production of international films, thanks mainly to the intervention of Minister O'Higgins, so why not ensure that it is also a successful location for the screening of international films of a cultural and creative nature?
As a nation proud of its artistic heritage, it behoves us to offer an alternative choice to the cinema going public. not just at festival time, but all year round. The Lighthouse Cinema will be sorely missed but hopefully, for not too long. - Yours, etc.,
Baldoyle,
Dublin 13.