Sir, - I, like Tom Cassidy (May 26th) have waited to see reactions in your columns to the article on the threat posed to Pollardstown Fen by the Kildare bypass (The Irish Times, May 10th ). Unlike Mr Cassidy, I am not surprised at the attitude to environment protection by Kildare County Council or the National Stud. I am involved in developing Ireland's water-based tourism and it worries me to know of our very limited awareness of, and protection afforded to, our man-made and natural heritage.
Reports have been submitted to Kildare County Council by Duchas in regard to the environmental impact on the Fen by the planned sinking of the bypass into the ground water table. However those who have responsibility for our heritage are being over-ruled by other departments in the interest of road development.
Since the writing of the article a fire has occurred which destroyed one third of the Fen. How much damage has been done to the wildlife? It seems that this internationally acclaimed nature reserve is not getting the protection it deserves and has been steadily deteriorating over the years.
A large part of the problems in heritage protection in Ireland is due to ignorance, lack of understanding and short-sightedness. We need these special areas for scientific research, species diversification, (insects attracted by flowers feed birds and fish), water quality and supply, for our enjoyment and quality of life. The tourists to Ireland appreciate our natural and man-made heritage more than ourselves. We do not appreciate the huge resource afforded by the Grand Canal which is supplied by Pollardstown Fen at the summit level in Co Kildare. According to a report on the national waterways by Brady Shipman Martin (environmental planning consultants to the Government) retaining the water level in the Fen is crucial for the supply to the Grand canal. Not only is the Fen threatened by the present road design but so too is the canal which is only starting to be regenerated, providing huge potential to the much neglected midland counties. We have seen the effect on Co Leitrim with the opening up of the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell canal in 1996.
What shocked me most about the article was the revelation that there was only one objection to the road plan, from An Taisce. I have since joined that organisation. To all returning immigrants I say get involved in the democratic process. In the past lobbyists with vested interests have controlled planning and development. We, the citizens, must ensure that democracy returns and proper sustainable development takes place in future. - Yours, etc.,
Karin Klinkenbergh, Rathangan, Co Kildare.