Sir, – I write to you in relation to Hugh Linehan's article "Fairview trees row shows why Dublin remains a mess" (August 12th). He says some of the claims about the history of the trees are "dubious". I would refer your writer to the front page of The Irish Times on October 31st, 1908, which devoted considerable column inches to the planting of the trees in Fairview, and clearly demonstrated their historical significance.
Regarding the claims of nimbyism, let’s make one thing clear: local residents want a cycle path built – just not the current design for one. The campaigners are aware of the facts, have studied the plans, consulted users and experts and submitted alternative design solutions. The issue local residents have is the poor consultation and engagement from council engineers responsible for this plan – and their refusal to integrate feedback from stakeholders into their final designs. If Dublin is a “bedraggled mess”, as Hugh Linehan claims, it is due to poor design and failure to integrate new infrastructure properly. This is exactly what campaigners, including myself, are opposing.
As a cyclist that commutes daily on this route, often with a young child, I want to see investment in safe cycling infrastructure – but not at the cost of destroying Fairview’s local environment and natural heritage. – Yours, etc,
DONNA COONEY,
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Clontarf,
Dublin 3.
Sir, – Well said, Hugh Linehan. It’s time we had some reason in this debate. – Yours, etc,
MARY KEOGH,
Dublin 3.