Sir, - Unlike Louis Power (August 22nd) I feel that for once An Bord Pleanala may have got it right. St Peter's and the Parthenon are architectural masterpieces built in or near cities. A stainless steel cross in a small village by the sea would be an eyesore in a agricultural area which is a great amenity to many people in the west and to those who like to drive along the Connemara road.
A large statue of Christ the King is fine in Rio, a large city. Perhaps the proposed cross and the statue of St Brendan should be built in Carraroe and then a city should be planned around them. Then Carraroe could become the next Brasilia!
Somehow I do not think a stainless steel cross is an architectural masterpiece. I'd much prefer to see the relatively unspoilt landscape of some parts of Connemara than the Eiffel Tower or the Parthenon. - Yours, etc.,
Lena NI hAinle, Cearnmor, Oranmore, Co Galway.