Sir, – The recent purchase of Dartmouth Square gardens (Locals jointly buy Dartmouth Square park”, Home News, December 5th) and its opening to the public has been achieved through the co-operation of Dublin City Council with residents of the area, assisted by the Upper Leeson Street Area Residents’ Association (Ulsara).
The importance of this purchase is that it brings to an end the threat of inappropriate development occasioned by the acquisition by a third party of part of the freehold title to the ground. Uncertainty had for too long compromised the future of Dartmouth Square and with it the integrity of an entire historic area. Happily its survival is now secure.
The whole Dartmouth Square experience underlines the importance of co-operation between local residents and public authorities.
We believe that many parks and green spaces in Dublin are potentially endangered by divided and scattered ownership, leaving them open to exploitation by private interests.
We feel that there is an urgent need for the Government to introduce legislation to protect open spaces – particularly where there is any doubt about the ownership of the property. We understand that legislation along these lines was in draft in a previous administration and we would urge citizens to canvass their local representatives and TDs to reintroduce measures along these lines, before similar problems arise in their own area. – Yours, etc,