Madam, - I join with other interested people who have condemned the action of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) in demolishing the 1907 South Hailing Station which had stood on Sir John Rogerson's Quay, as reported by Fiona Gartland (August 20th).
Indeed I had written to the DDDA pointing out that this listed structure had a good deal of local importance for many families in the South Docks/Pearse Street/Ringsend areas particularly, and I suggested they take the opportunity of its centenary year to outline their conservation plans for same.
A spokesperson for DDDA stated an expert had deemed it of no architectural significance but it had "historical and social significance".
Further it was of "local significance", but still they pulled it down. If left to stand (or at least returned) it would act as a reminder of some of the many happenings in the area over the last 100 years, including many of the events recorded in works such as Strumpet City.
However legal the action may have been, Dublin City Council and our local representatives, plus various Government agencies, especially heritage groups, should call on DDDA to restore this building or a representation of it, however artificial this may seem.- Yours, etc,
CHRISTOPHER SANDS, Collinswood, Dublin 9.