:: Letters to the Editor

How to rejuvenate the west 16.07.08

Dear editor,

As many people are aware, the west of Ireland is suffering a death by a thousand cuts – be it the loss of traditional farming, fishing or manufacturing jobs, the closure and running down of public services such as health and education, the withdrawal of public transport and the closure of rural schools, shops, post offices and Garda stations.
As part of a strategy to rectify these problems I, as a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, will produce a report entitled ‘What is required to rejuvenate the west of Ireland both in economic and social terms’.
In order to write this report I intend to engage in a process of public consultation across the west. This will include a series of public meetings as well as meeting with representatives of the farming and fishing communities, local community development groups, enterprise boards, chambers of commerce, trades councils, women’s groups and other relevant campaign groups from across the west. I would ask any groups or individuals with an interest in compiling a submission for the report to do so by contacting me at pearse.doherty@oireachtas.ie . Further information and terms of reference are also available at above address. All submissions are greatly welcomed. The final date for receipt of submissions is September 12, 2008. The final published report will be presented to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for approval. It is time to stand together, to agree a common platform and to begin the fight back for the west of Ireland.

Is Mise,
Senator Pearse Doherty
Sinn Féin.

'We croppies won't lie down' 01.05.08

Dear editor,

As a retired farmer who has devoted many years to honest toil on the land, I object very strongly to the activities and objectives of the IFA's so-called "Irish Countryside Committee" which promotes and encourages hunting with hounds in rural Ireland.
Farmers Against Foxhunting and Trespass (FAFT) would respectfully point out that this pro-hunt grouping is inimical to the interests of the vast majority of Irish farmers, more than 80% of whom we estimate oppose the mayhem and wilful destruction wrought by hunts on farm property. Anyone with any illusions as to where the average farmer stands on this issue need only glance at the "lands preserved" notices in the provincial papers...thousands of them across the country, all from men and women fearful of having their precious crops ripped up by rampaging horses and hounds, their livestock mauled, scattered, or traumatised by incursions, or their fencing torn apart.
Our campaign to rid ourselves of these arrogant hunters will continue until this aim has been achieved. We croppies will not lie down!

Yours sincerely,

Philip P. Lynch,
Chairman,
Farmers Against Foxhunting and Trespass (FAFT)

A question of parking in Buncrana 23.11.07
Dear Editor,
I would like to draw attention to the lack of clarity on the new parking regulations in Buncrana. Something needs to be done about the parking on Main Street but in my opinion the following questions need to be answered.
Why did the Council go ahead without providing alternative car parking in off-street car parks?
Is an outside contractor being brought in to manage the car parking, if so why and what tendering process was used? (Note: In response to this letter, Buncrana Town Council said it adhered to the official tendering process as outlined in the regulations including publication in the local newspapers).
Why are non car-owning residents so harshly treated?
They cannot get a resident's permit, yet these are people who have their homes in the town, have paid or are paying their taxes and many of the elderly depend on visiting relatives.
What are the funds raised from the parking charges going to be used for? Another question is why has such a significant area of the town been designated for Pay and Display? The town wants to welcome tourists and visitors to the town yet the areas along the Shore Front are designated, as are streets peripheral to the Main Street. They don’t do that in shoreline areas of Dublin where parking is at a premium.
I need to emphasise that I agree with the concept of parking charges and applaud the work done by other councils in solving the parking problems. The question is, has Buncrana Council followed the best examples?
James Doherty
Ludden,
Buncrana

Carndonagh Civic Amenity Site 14.11.07
Dear Editor,
I have been reliably informed that charges are to be introduced at the Carndonagh Civic Amenity Site early in the new year. This is incredulous considering that the Government needs to encourage homes to recycle on a much larger scale to adhere to the Kyoto protocol aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions that are a leading cause of global warming. If the Government fails to meet their targets, they face a large fine - or I should say we the taxpayers face a huge fine. Currently, many people in Inishowen separate their waste items including plastics and glass etc., and transport this to Carndonagh where we place the items in the appropriate skip. It’s a system that works and takes the pressure off the already overburdened landfill sites. But now, if this information is correct, we are to be charged for the privilege of carrying out that extra work to safeguard the environment. How is introducing a charge going to encourage people to recycle? It will only encourage fly-tipping which is a much more considerable cost.
I would like to know the following:
- If a charge is to be introduced - why are there no signs indicating this?
- Where are the media in all of this who have so far not reported on this stealth tax?
- Do the local politicians approve of such a charge and have they approved it?
Sincerely,
Noel McLaughlin,
Carrowmenagh.

Fahan road needs urgent work 03.10.07
Dear Editor,
I would direct this letter to Donegal County Council and anyone concerned with safety on our roads.
It is about time someone investigated the dangers created by the junction from the Railway Tavern and marina at Fahan on to the main Buncrana to Derry road before there is a fatality as a direct result of the present road layout and the increase of traffic using the marina.
This marina, which is not funded by the Government, generates a large amount of revenue and it and the surrounding areas should be improved to support this project and encourage further use and more importantly to ensure the safety of the people using this main road.
I would hope it is not a case of closing the barn door after the horse has bolted, that changes are made before there is another death caused by lack of forward planning.
Brian McFadden
Marina User

Anger in Mill Brae over parking 03.10.07
Dear Editor,
I am a spokesperson for the Mill Brae Residents in Buncrana who are very angry,upset and bewildered about the parking measures and traffic re-routing that are being introduced in some areas of our town. I can only speak for our group and say we are being discriminated against and our quality of life is far from being improved. We don't know why these measures are being introduced, nor who planned them and who sanctioned them.
Parking on one side of the Mill Brae is being banned and parking areas defined on the other side of the street, with the rumour that pay and display is going to be introduced.
The residents have held a meeting and have drawn up a petition with a view to presenting it to the Council. We have almost everyone's backing in the street - both residents and businesses.
Jim Quigley
Mill Brae Residents' Association
Buncrana

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