Madam, - Further to the sudden demolition of the hailing station on the corner of Britain and Sir John Rogerson's Quays, I am totally disappointed and shocked that the Dublin Docklands Development Authority demolished a part of our heritage, especially as they were in receipt of some correspondence from those of us that wished to save this piece of old Dublin.
It further amazed me that one of the reasons given by the DDDA for its sudden demise was because of its dilapidated state, which made it a health and safety hazard.
I do not know just who was in charge of this building, but I do know that whoever it was, was fully responsible for its upkeep and by failing in this responsibility, they were in breach of the law, as it was listed as a protected structure.
By the same token, a 93-year- old man in the Dún Laoghaire area was taken before the courts because a sagging windowsill at the front of his listed house was in disrepair.
I would also like to know the following: how long did it take to knock down this piece of our heritage, on its 100th birthday, when instead it should have been the subject of a celebration?
On what date did this piece of environmental vandalism take place, and at what time of the day? Where exactly are the salvaged bricks etc in storage? Why not Ringsend church next, the site of which would make for a beautiful 16-storey ghetto of the future, when the Celtic Tiger leaves us?
After all, why leave something of importance behind for the heritage vandals of the future to cast their beady eye upon? - Yours, etc,
GEORGE P KEARNS, Griffith Parade, Dublin 11.