Sir, - With the coming start of another Millennium there is a feeling that at least one large construction should be erected in Ireland to mark the occasion, and be; of significance for at least a few centuries to come.
Of the many ideas spoken about in recent years, I would think that a Liffey barrage would fulfill the above criteria fairly adequately. It would last a very long time, would be easily maintained, and would alter to the good the general appearance of the often unpleasant sight and smell of the Liffey river bed bissecting our lovely capital.
If we are to believe the forecasts of future sea levels, the Barrage could have a great use in preventing the probable flooding of lower Dublin areas during high tides in the future, whilst the constantly maintained high level of the river could facilitate the easy traffic of water buses to bypass our crowded quays between Heuston and Ringsend and bring life to this normally dull looking area of muddy water. The impounding by the Barrage of millions of cubic metres of fresh Dublin mountain water would be of great benefit during periods of water shortage, whilst the enormous extra area for water sports would attract a welcome source of activity to the city centre with many easy of access close up viewing points, making an improved tourist amenity.
The Barrage would include an easily visible fish pass for the fish now returning to their old haunt after it had become a public sewer for centuries, until thankfully rectified in recent years by a great engineering construction - the 12 foot bore 12 mile tunnel along under the Grand Canal. Fish counting and camera fish surveillance equipment on the fishpass could add to the visitors interest.
The Barrage equipment can be designed and made in Ireland and if started soon could be in position for the start of the Millennium. The London and Belfast Barrage owners could, I'm sure, supply the designers here with useful operational data. The whole construction would be an excellent addition to a Port which has had so many eminent engineers from Captain Bligh to Sir John Purser Griffith associated with its operation over the centuries.
Perhaps it could help to replace the ill fated Millennium Clock which was "drownded" in the Liffey near O'Connell Bridge in 1996. Or better, perhaps the clock could be resusitated and given a long life in the clean, clear mountain water provided by the Barrage.
I am sure that the Barrage would hardly present a great financial problem to the many agencies of all kinds here who have undertaken bigger operations of possibly lesser importance and probably much less longevity. I don't need to elaborate on the advertising value that would accrue to those firms who would like to be associated with such a prominent venture. Of course we must not forget the possibility of E.U. environmental money - if any is still available. - Yours, etc.,
Rathdown Avenue,
Dublin 6.