Sir, - It's amusing to study some of the details of the latest anti litter campaign, including a television commercial with a lofty voice over using music which appeals to those who would never dream of throwing a paper on the ground, along with a perspex litter wagon appearing in Grafton Street displaying litter and filth as something of a triumphal work of art. This display is accompanied by a slogan saying that some 4,000 people have assisted in bringing this artistic display to the eyes of the public. Glorifying litter: amusing, but not effective.
Not so amusing was a recent experience in Dame Street on a Saturday at midnight. Firstly, for all those parents who sit comfortably in their suburban homes on Saturday evenings while their off spring indulge themselves in the attractions of the Temple Bar area, I would recommend a visit, just to see how the other half lives, so to speak. But in the middle of this mayhem my attention was caught by a middle aged American couple who weaved their way, somewhat apprehensively through the unruly throng, up towards Christ Church. Outside the Central Bank of Ireland, featuring its open Stephenson piazza, they glanced to the right. Their eyes were greeted by a large number of young Dubliners urinating, kissing and depositing assorted litter on the ground. A theatrical touch was added by the strong lights which spotlight the name of the institution in two languages while focusing on the horrible scene below. There, presented in all its glory was an enormous array of mementos and tributes to the nocturnal lifestyle of our young citizens - everything from beer cans to newspapers - in enormous quantities. While registering my own shock I was not surprised to hear one of the Americans say to his partner: "I guess this is what they mean by dirty Dublin!"
From a public relations point of view I would recommend that somebody from Bane Ceannais na hEireann drives in to have a look some Saturday night, before our presidency of the EU gets into full swing. If the Corporation does not have the resources maybe the bank would provide their own street cleaner with out the perspex display?
Yours, etc.,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4.