Sir, - Following an otherwise delightful holiday in Co Kerry, recently, I would like, if I may, to highlight two issues.
While visiting the monastic island of Skellig Michael, we found it necessary to use a toilet. We were in for a long wait, as there are no public conveniences on the island.
This, to mind, is unbelievable in this day and age, not least for two reasons. Skellig attracts 12,000 visitors per year, and a round trip and visit, from the mainland, takes at least four hours
How can it be that St Fionan in the sixth century was able to establish a monastery on this pinnacle of rock, with an intricate fresh water system, yet in the 21st century a major tourist attraction is without such basics? It's hardly surprising tourist numbers are falling.
My second grievance concerns Valentia Weather Station in Cahirciveen. A public notice informed me that guided tours were available at a certain time. I duly arrived, as appointed, only to be told that due to "short staffing " this was no longer possible. This I find to be most unsatisfactory. As a taxpayer, weather watcher, and a farmer, I feel entitled to be shown around such an establishment.
Goodness knows the weather this summer is poor enough, but such a visit might further my knowledge, or anyone else's, of forecasting, on the very edge of Western Europe. - Yours, etc.,
GERALD POTTERTON,
Kildalkey,
Co Meath.