Sir, – The publication – or rather, leaking – of the report of the Housing Commission (“Housing Commission report suggests underlying housing deficit of up to 256,000 homes”, News, May 21st) seems to me to open up the question of whether consideration should be given to establishing a new capital for this country, far separated from the immediate environs of Dublin, on the lines of the initiatives taken by such countries as Brazil (Brasília) or Australia (Canberra).
I would suggest tentatively somewhere like Athlone – or perhaps, in the context of a possible reunited Ireland, such a centre as Armagh. After all, where are these further 250,000 homes that are declared to be required to be constructed? Surely not in the already overcrowded Dublin area? For one thing, there is a looming water shortage – in the absence of the construction of any pipeline up from the Shannon!
If one could shift all governmental and parliamentary activity out of the Dublin area, that could result in a most beneficial rebalancing of the population. – Yours, etc,
JOHN DILLON,
My neighbour has been dumping their rubbish in my back garden and trespassing. What can I do?
If everything does not happen for a reason, then why does it happen?
Housewife of the Year review: A reminder that Ireland of the 1970s and 80s was no country for women of any age
From Mumbai to Dublin: ‘Ireland has been cold, yes – but not the people’
Regius Professor of Greek (Emeritus),
Trinity College Dublin,
Dublin 2.
