A chara, - After the first Leinster Final meeting between Laois and Westmeath last Sunday week, many people, especially local residents, were very angry about the the traffic chaos around Croke Park.
There was a major traffic jam in a large area between Collins Avenue and Camden Street. Drumcondra Road and Dorset Street were particularly affected because of traffic generated by GAA fans.
The vital route to and from Dublin airport through Drumcondra was blocked. Captive in an airport coach for over an hour, I observed cars being driven recklessly on footpaths in vain attempts to escape from the chaos. Garda presence was minimal and traffic management was lacking.
Short-term measures to prevent such chaos could include providing more gardaí, with extra costs funded by the GAA; enforcing bus lanes, even on Sundays, to facilitate buses and other public service vehicles; and having effective traffic and parking controls supported by clampers.
Major sporting venues should not be sited near city centres. The "Bertie Bowl" concept of a stadium in the outer suburbs has merit. The ideal solution, however, would be to decentralise Croker. - Is mise,
TONY QUINN, Dalkey, Co Dublin.