Sir, – Michael McCullough (February 7th) wonders how the Dutch can manage to live safely in Groningen, at 5.2 metres below sea level, when we have such difficulty with a wee drop of rain filling our rivers.
The difference is that the Dutch, unlike the Irish, ensure that the land they build on is well protected from flooding before their planning departments grant planning permission to build. – Yours, etc,
DAVID DORAN,
Royal Oak Road,
Bagenalstown,
Co Carlow.
A chara, – For many years climate scientists have been predicting an increase in extreme weather globally as the planet heats up.
As Ireland is hit with its own extreme weather and flooding causing untold misery and expense, is it too much to hope that decision-makers and all of us will wake up to the need to get real about addressing climate change and building infrastructure for this new reality?
Meanwhile , I note an interesting offering in my local supermarket. Blackberries flown all the way from Mexico are now available in Irish shops. Spot the connection, anyone? – Yours, etc,
CLAIRE OAKES,
Bellinter,
Navan, Co Meath.
Sir, – Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan’s assertion that some parts of our coastline could be surrendered to the sea because “We’re in an era where we have finite resources” (Front Page, February 6th), rings hollow.
Financial resources would seem to take preference over our natural resources. It’s a very sad and short-sighted perspective, giving little hope to those who live in our coastal areas and give generously of their own time and energy to build a tourism product that makes a significant contribution to the national economy. – Yours, etc,
CORMAC MEEHAN,
Main Street,
Bundoran, Co Donegal.