Making room for skate-boarders

Sir, – Conal McMenamin (January 21st) states, “Fun is to be frowned at..

Sir, – Conal McMenamin (January 21st) states, “Fun is to be frowned at . . . our city fathers are not in the business of encouraging fun” – all because of his perception of how we view skateboarding. He is wrong. As a councillor, about 10 years ago I proposed the (now existing) skateboard park in Bushy Park – the first in the city.

More importantly, at the December City Council budget meeting the council adopted a Labour amendment to the city budget providing for additional play and sports facilities across the city. This included €70,000 for a sports facility in the south west inner city. In supporting that amendment, we were aware of the idea for a skateboard park in that area and many of us are hopeful this is the direction the local councillors will go. Of course The Irish Times did not cover the city council budget as this year it was agreed without controversy but with a lot of hard work. – Yours, etc,

Cllr DERMOT LACEY,

Leader Labour Group,

Dublin City Council,

City Hall, Dublin 2.