Sir, - I feel I must take issue with the interpretation of life in Knocknaheeny, Cork offered by Mr Liam O'Callaghan, who was interviewed in the series "Voice from the Edge". From the opening paragraph, I take it that Mr O'Callaghan is a volunteer with the Vincent De Paul Society and it must be acknowledged that its members deal with the poorest in any community. However, he paints Knocknaheeny as a ghetto for unemployed, uneducated and unmotivated people who cannot allow their children out to play for fear of being knocked down by car thieves.
For him to further suggest that it is a dumping ground for people who do not pay their rent is an insult to the people who live here.
I have lived in Knocknaheeny since 1974, and in all that time the community spirit has never failed, despite the economic decline of blue-collar workers and bad government policy towards the upkeep of public housing estates.
However, in more recent times, a change in these policies has led to rejuvenation in most estates.
In Knocknaheeny in particular, a few years ago the Corporation embarked on a house-building and refurbishment programme and it is committed to a policy of dialogue with the people of the area. The sports clubs and other groups for the young people are thriving and we have a community college and primary school that are second to none. Coupled with this we have an undaunted community spirit that has found its forum in the "We The People" community development group.
The people are motivated and have a vision for the future. - Yours, etc.,
Coolmaine Crescent, Knocknaheeny, Cork City.
A reference in Kathryn Holmquist's original article to the work of the organisation "We the People" in Knocknaheeny was un- fortunately cut for reasons of space - Ed.