Madam, - Residents and visitors to Greystones will no longer be able to observe the seasonal changes of the natural environment of the north beach. Hoardings and high fencing erected by the contractors of the so-called "Harbour Development" prevent access to the harbour and the entire north beach.
The diving activities of little terns and other sea birds will be obscured by a kilometre length of hoarding, the progression of the flowering of most attractive wild flowers (including a unique colony) will not be seen. Each year, I have looked forward to the arrival of sand martins from Africa and, with others, have enjoyed their flying displays and burrowing activities for nest building. No longer.
There is a liaison officer appointed by the contractors. However, on dialling this number, I can only obtain an answer phone message.
The situation has resulted directly by the local council permitting development on an Irish foreshore and I hope it will alert everyone to the dangers of this happening elsewhere. - Yours, etc,
KENNETH BAKER, Professor Emeritus, Blacklion, Greystones, Co Wicklow.