A chara, - I refer to reports, including that by Frank McDonald in your edition of April 23rd, about the abolition of Dúchas, the Heritage Service. The public, as users and taxpayers, are entitled to greater clarity from the relevant authorities about functions and management.
I recently visited an amenity area and heritage site. There, information leaflets, dated 2003, referred to Dúchas as being under the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. That Department was abolished in 2002 when functions were reassigned after the general election.
New arrangements arising from the break-up of Dúchas prompt questions. For example: which department or agency is responsible for National Parks and will they be adequately protected? What is the status of annual Heritage Cards which provided admission to all heritage sites under Dúchas? - Is mise,
TONY QUINN, Dalkey, Co Dublin.