Sir, – Fintan O’Toole’s searingly illuminating analysis of the issues leading to the current situation in Dublin’s north inner city – neglect, gentrification and segregation – should be required reading for those vested with the power to improve matters (“Berlin-like wall runs through Ireland’s most segregated area”, Opinion & Analysis, July 25th). As opposed to a “knee-jerk” flooding of the area with gardaí, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee would be well advised to contact O’Toole in order to seek his insights on a proper, constructive and far-seeing approach to addressing the ills highlighted in his piece. – Yours, etc,
JOHN NAUGHTON,
Leopardstown,
Dublin 18.
Sir, – I’m not sure why Fintan O’Toole seems to blame the developers or the Government for the wall around the apartments in the IFSC.
These walls were in place long before the State was formed and date from the time when this area was the Revenue docks which held many valuable goods in bonded warehouses – the walls being necessary to keep everyone out, locals or not. – Yours, etc,
RORY J WHELAN,
Drogheda,
Co Meath.