Sir, - In mid-1998, a tower of tractors was erected in Temple Bar Square, hitherto a pleasant open space often enlivened by spontaneous artistic and musical performances. It was only a matter of hours before this invitingly climbable edifice was scaled, necessitating its enclosure by an ugly fence. The tower of tractors then spent several months in service as a public urinal and litter receptacle.
Recently, the tower has been replaced by a maze of privet hedge enclosed in perspex. It was only a matter of hours before this invitingly breakable structure was damaged by passers-by, and it has already proved to be an even more convenient public urinal and litter receptacle than the tractors, with the added advantage that it is slowly leaking a great deal of mud onto the surface of the square.
Temple Bar Square is a fine amenity, contributing a great deal to the popularity and vibrancy of the area. Is it too much to ask that Temple Bar Properties stop tinkering, and leave it as an empty, open space where people can gather to enjoy the atmosphere and spontaneity of the city? - Yours, etc., sincerely,
Colm Buckley, Temple Bar Square, Dublin 2.