Sir, - Grafton Street, abounding in atmosphere, enhanced by buskers, accommodating in pubs, shops and restaurants, rich in history and folklore, documented in tourist brochures world-wide, is supposed to become a pedestrian zone from 11 a.m. each day.
But all day, every day, pedal cyclists (mostly couriers), security vans, Garda cars, Corporation bin vans, dangerously and unnecessarily pilot their way in and out through the milling crowds.
Recently I walked behind one of these security vans as it passed all the way up the street - without stopping.
If the majority of crime is taking place on business premises as has recently been reported, wouldn't it make sense that gardai should patrol a pedestrian-only zone on foot?
Could the Corporation not use a man with a hand-cart occasionally emptied into a small bin-lorry on a side street?
I'm not expecting the Garda to escort every offending cyclist off Grafton Street. Perhaps a few prosecutions and sharp fines would deter would be offenders.
Please, pedestrian zones for pedestrians only, except in emergencies. - Yours, etc.,
Thomas J. Kinsella
Leinster Road, Dublin 6.