Put an end to awful curse of poo packets
● Sir — Liam Collins writes about the menace of a minority of dog owners who, after cleaning up after their dogs, promptly fling the package of poo into the nearest hedgerow. Here these multi-coloured pouches bop around like baubles on a Christmas tree.
Unless there is a strong possibility of being caught and fined, this disgusting activity will continue. The sign that warns of a €150 fine is about as effective as the warning that there’s a €50 fine for putting one’s feet on a seat on the Dart.
Regulations abound, but to borrow a phrase from Sean O’Casey’s Betty Burgess, the enforcement is “null and void”. Jim O’Connell,
Ashtown, Dublin 7
Dispose of dog dirt in a considerate way
● Sir — Liam Collins discussed the awful practice of throwing poo bags into the nearest bush.
I am reminded of meeting a man walking his dog with a supply of bags sticking out of his trouser pocket.
When I complimented him on his sense of public duty, he responded: “Thank you. What a lovely park we had here before the council went and cleared back all the bushes.”
Tom Gilsenan,
Beaumont, Dublin 9
Declan Lynch never accounts for Trump
● Sir — Declan Lynch’s diatribe about Trump and Kennedy last week may be of use for maintaining his welcome in the salons of Dublin 4, but it didn’t enlighten the reader about the policy positions of either man.
Mr Lynch is, of course, entitled to his view that the Trump-Kennedy movement is a Bad Thing, but surely it’s not too much to expect some account of what they’re saying and why their message has traction for so many voters.
Some discussion of Kennedy’s speech where he aligns himself with the Trump campaign might have been helpful.
Stephen Richards, Broughshane, Co Antrim
Western rail service would be a fine thing
● Sir — Ken Foxe reported last week that members of the public in the south-east were furious over a proposed plan to end direct rail services between Wexford and Dublin.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is suggesting that passengers travelling from Wexford could switch to the Dart at Wicklow, in order to increase services on the line.
Contrast that situation with what is happening in the west and north-west of Ireland.
There is no rail line operating between Sligo (the nominated growth centre for the northwest in the National Planning Framework) and Galway (the capital of Connacht).
The reopening of the railway from Sligo to Galway would be relatively humble in terms of cost, but would be hugely important in future-proofing economic growth in the west.
A full reopening of the Western Rail Corridor (WRC) will allow a rail connection to
Knock Airport, which would support the development of a strategic development zone around the airport. A similar zone at Shannon employs in the region of 10,000 people.
What a major boost this would be for the “lagging” west and north-west regions.
So, while people on the eastern seaboard are furious about increasing services in their neck of the woods, the people on the Atlantic coast are also mad as hell at the lack of major transport infrastructure.
It would also support the national economy as a whole. So why not do it?
Tom Towey,
Cloonacool, Co Sligo
Dublin was heaven – once upon a time
● Sir — My son recently texted to say I might bump into my granddaughter on Grafton Street as she was coming up to Dublin with her friends to do a bit of shopping. They’re all 16 years of age.
I recalled the first time my mother allowed me to go into town alone to buy a dress. I was all of 10, and not a care in the world. That was 65 years ago, and Grafton Street was a wonderland: “There’s diamonds in the lady’s eyes and gold dust in her hair — and if you don’t believe me, come and meet me there, in Dublin on a sunny summer’s morning.”
My immediate reaction to my son’s text was to pray for my granddaughter and her friends that they would all be safe.
How times have changed. Terry Healy Riordan,
Kill, Co Kildare
Send all the Russian diplomats home
● Sir — If the Government really wants to show solidarity with Ukraine, a strong way to do so is to dismiss all Russian diplomats from Ireland.
Then the world will know Ireland is with Ukraine against the evil aggression of Putin. Úna Heaton, Limerick
Aslan should top the bill at Croke Park
● Sir — Let’s get the ball rolling here: Aslan for Croke Park.
The best have played there — footballers and bands alike, from Frank Sinatra to Ed Sheeran and even Neil Diamond.
Coldplay rocked Croke Park as the Oasis tickets went on sale, but after seeing Chris Martin call Aslan on to stage to perform Crazy World, I think it’s time for Aslan to top the bill. Alan Carroll, via email