Sir, - Now that our TDs are enjoying their summer break, I wonder how many of them will open their eyes to the blight of ugly mobile-phone masts which have proliferated all over Ireland.
These unsightly and obtrusive metal towers punctuate the skyline in increasing numbers. Their arrival went ahead virtually without public consultation.
The needs of the environment should surely be balanced with those of the economy. But the mobile phone people - powerful, professionally led, and very wealthy - got their own way. Up to now they have been scarcely hindered by planning laws. The burst of building they pressed ahead with has been too loosely regulated. If, as if felt by many, they got away with vandalising the environment, they should be held accountable.
It is time our elected representatives in Dail Eireann pitched in to save the best of our countryside, cities, towns and villages from aerials and transmitter towers. - Yours, etc.,
Liam Nolan,
Shrewsbury Park, Dublin 4.