Madam - Twenty years ago tour guides found it was difficult to do a "panoramic" or overview tour of Limerick without including several derelict areas and eyesores. Recent developments and regeneration have helped to improve the situation immeasurably. There are, however, a couple of areas where, with a little thought and action, the visitor's (and indeed the local's) enjoyment could be enhanced. One of these is the view of the Hunt Museum from the river; another is the area in front of King John's Castle.
When entering the city from Shannon or Galway, one of the best ways to present the city to visitors is to drive down Clancy Strand and explain the many important buildings across the river. Unfortunately the main façade of one of the most significant and beautiful, Ducart's fine Palladian style Custom House, now the Hunt Museum, is largely screened from view by large trees.
While we are generally reluctant to suggest that trees be felled, we feel that here a strong case can be made for their removal. At the centre of a working port the area between the river and the working Custom House would have been a hive of business activity, unobstructed by trees, in the 18th century.
Visitors approaching King John's Castle from the coach parking area have to pass a derelict site and a burnt-out building. While escorting a large group to the Tavern hostelry recently, guides overheard several visitors remark on the amount of litter in front of the castle. The matter was brought to the attention of our association.
All of us involved in tourism need to pay attention to tourists' reactions and comments if we are not to lose ground in what will be an increasingly competitive market in an enlarged Europe. - Yours, etc.,
ANN O'MALLEY, Honorary Secretary, figi (Association of Approved Tourists Guides of Ireland), Pery Square, Limerick