Dublin Bay Task Force - Scam

Madam,

Whether the news that a Dublin Bay Task Force has been set up to deliver a "sustainable vision" master plan for the future use of the entire bay is good news or bad depends on a number of factors, including the composition, knowledge and real intent and purpose of the task force (July 17th).

Various proposals for the creation of a mini-Manhattan and the siting of an incinerator on the "Poolbeg peninsula" in Sandymount plus the infilling of Scotsman's Bay in Dún Laoghaire are the brainchildren of members of the task force. Environmental groups such as Sandymount and Merrion Residents' Association (set up 50 years ago to protect the south bay beaches), the Naturalists' Field Club, seal and dolphin groups, together with fishing and diving interests, amongst others, do not appear to have been consulted or included.

The need for hydrological, oceanographic and morphology studies has not received a mention. Relevant EU environmental directives are still being ignored as I write.

Unless and until the ecological value of the bay (sea and coastal lands) to our capital city and country is given precedence I will be forced to conclude that the main purpose of the task force will be to promote commercial development and the loss of Dublin and Dún Laoghaire harbours.

It would be nice to be proven wrong.

Yours, etc,

LORNA KELLY,

Castle Park,

Sandymount,

Dublin 4.

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