Madam, – I was saddened to read about opposition to the proposed World Heritage Site at Clonmacnoise by local landowners and politicians (“Locals fear impact of Clonmacnoise heritage status”, July 29th).
The designation of Clonmacnoise would be a great honour for the people of Co Offaly.While it may be that the buffer zone proposed around the site could be reduced, surely the initial reaction should be one of support?
As for tourism, perhaps councillor Connie Hanniffy doesn’t realise the immense prestige attaching to this designation? I have just returned from a holiday visiting World Heritage Sites in Vietnam where these sites are a major attraction. – Yours, etc,