Sir, – Among the challenges identified in Frank McDonald’s article on Mountjoy Square (Opinion, June 27th) is the use of one side of the square as a coach park and, he comments on the unlikelihood of Merrion or Fitzwilliam Squares being treated in such a cavalier fashion. Regrettably, this is not the case, as for some time Dublin Bus has used much of the south side of Merrion Square as a terminus for multiple bus routes with the remainder occupied by tourist coaches.
This clutter of stationary buses has a tremendously adverse affect on the character of the square and on one of Dublin’s principal historic vistas running from Leinster House to St Stephen’s Church. This is in spite of the fact that the Dublin City Development Plan clearly articulates the cultural and heritage interest of the square and specifically identifies this historic vista as one of the city’s “key views and prospects”.
Mountjoy Square and Merrion Square are not alone in becoming bus and coach parks as Dublin Bus has long occupied the western side of Parnell Square. Will Fitzwilliam Square be next? Dublin’s Georgian architecture is one of its defining characteristics for both visitors and residents alike. At a time when cultural tourism comprises such an important developing sector it is remarkable that poor decision-making can so easily be allowed to undermine the city’s historic character.
In working to ensure that Dublin fully achieves its potential as a cultural tourism destination, Dublin City Council and Dublin Bus need to resolve this issue as tourists do not visit Dublin to admire serried ranks of buses. – Yours, etc,