Madam, - I read with interest last weekend that the Environment Minister is likely to reverse a decision on the capping of the size of retail outlets in order to facilitate the IKEA furnishing chain. this news follows the sad announcement that Bewley's cafés are to close. It seems ironic that the Government will bend over backwards for a Scandinavian warehouse yet remain silent at the imminent loss of a genuine piece of Irish heritage.
My proposal is for the Government to take responsibility for Bewley's on Grafton Street, restore the interior to its original condition, along with the reintroduction of home backing etc. As well as an amenity for Dubliners, Bewley's could be marketed as a tourist attraction. Perhaps a Harry Clarke museum could be incorporated into the building.
Each year we fund our museums and cultural institutions to the tune of millions of euro with virtually no return. Bewley's would be a living museum with the ability to pay for itself. Maybe a franchise could be involved in much the same way the Luas is run.
Something should be done before the well-worn "British High Street" analogy becomes reality. - Yours, etc.,
GREGORY DUNN,
Manor Place,
Stoneybatter,
Dublin 7.