Sir, I refer to Dublin Corporation's proposal to erect gates to the southern end of North Great George's Street (The Irish Times, March 23rd). The gateway will feature a bank of steps across the full width of the street, as described on the drawings available for inspection at the Civic Offices. Senator Norris advocates that the gates should be erected in order to thwart the nocturnal activities of "joy-riders". Unfortunately, "joy-riding" is a fact of life on all Dublin streets, but speeding traffic can be restricted more economically using ramps, bollards and controlled turns.
The erection of gates and the closing of North Great George's Street would be a socially divisive act directly in contravention with the Dublin City Development Plan objective of social inclusion. We would indeed be presented with an appalling vista should the Corporation proceed with what is at best a fancy barrier and at worst a symbol of social segregation for the sole purpose of pandering to the delusions of the proponents of this proposal. - Yours, etc.,
Annette Dempsey, St Joseph Street, Dublin 7.