Sir, Having lived in Dublin's would be "Cultural Quarter" for the last number of years, I echo the concerns of your correspondent, Frank McDonald, regarding the future of Temple Bar (April 21st). Unfortunate indeed, but instead of a cultural centre it is fast becoming Dublin's drinking centre.
I wrote a letter last week regarding the condition of Dublin's pavements and Mr McDonald has hit upon one of the reasons for their blackened state i.e. visiting Stag Parties.
l see them pass by my window every weekend, all brightly dressed and polished, looking as if butter wouldn't melt. .. then I see them returning, early in the morning, carrying bottles and glasses, shouting abuse and looking to pick a fight with any poor unfortunate who crosses their path.
Women, in particular, are a target for crude and lewd comments, which of course are always greeted by much laughter from the other bucks in the group. In talking with some of the other residents, l gather that they are starting to go out much earlier in the evening, to ensure that they will be home long before these groups are leaving to crawl back to their "cheaply priced and therefore attractive to large groups" hotel rooms.
Yes, of course, I want Dublin to have a thriving and bustling night life. I would rather it didn't simply consist of too much drinking by too many stag groups. If Temple Bar is to survive, it has to become an area that you can safely bring a family to for a night out in the City Centre. Would I recommend it at present? Unfortunately not. Yours, etc.
Parliament Building, Temple Bar, Dublin 2