Towns and pedestrianisation

Sir, – As a long-term Malahide resident, a grandfather, a motorist and a cyclist, I very much welcome the upgrade to New Street to facilitate its pedestrianisation, as reported on by Sylvia Thompson (“Tensions flare over Malahide street pedestrianisation plan”, News Features, January 20th).

Our only pedestrianised street in Malahide has distinct benefits over the rest of the town. It’s healthier without car fumes. It’s safer without cars. I feel much safer to walk or to cycle on New Street than anywhere else in Malahide village. It’s a much more convenient street for people who use wheelchairs than elsewhere in Malahide. I think parents of children in buggies enjoy it. And young children can run around safely on the street. I find no problem accessing the health centre or the dentist, as suggested by an opponent of the project. Pedestrianised streets are a normal feature of towns all over the world. I believe that most Malahide residents have no issue with the upgrade to the street as approved by Fingal county councillors. – Yours, etc,

TOM SHEEDY,

Malahide,

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