Madam, - The new shopping centre which opened in Dundrum on Thursday represents both the best and the worst of the changes in Irish society and shopping in the past decade. The fact that Dublin can now boast the largest shopping centre of its kind in Europe heralds a new confidence, but the new centre also signifies the loss of local identity and the personal touch.
Its list of new shops gives no hint as to the location - it could be located almost anywhere. It appears that, despite its vast size, there is no room in the new centre for independent retailers such as Dundrum Books. The demise of the old shopping centre - renowned in equal measure for its ugliness and its friendliness - means the end of the personal service which its customers have enjoyed over the years. Is this the kind of Dublin that we really want? - Yours, etc.,
JEANNE MELDON, Celbridge, Co Kildare.
Madam, - We are promised holistic experiences and fashionable fizz in our luxury lifestyle and entertainment destination, but I for one will miss the friendship and service of wonderful people such as Liz Meldon in Dundrum Books.
Liz loves books, loves her work and cherishes her customers. She never met my mother, yet she knew exactly what books she did and did not enjoy. Somehow I have a feeling that this new festival of style and contemporary ambience will be hard pushed to recreate the sense of service and community found in that little bookshop. - Yours, etc.,
DEIRDRE HASLETT, Dundrum, Dublin 16.
Madam, - According to your edition of March 2nd there is to be an ecumenical service before the official opening of the new Dundrum Town Centre. While I realise that shopping is the new religion, is this not taking things a little too far? - Yours, etc.,
DIARMAID MacAONGHUSA, Shankill, Co Dublin.