Sir, - I was surprised to see a journalist of Frank McDonald's standing write such a onesided assault on Temple Bar.
Just in case people believe all they read, culturally, Temple Bar is as vibrant and alive as it was ever intended to be. Of course there are problems - any development of this size and significance is going to have problems to face and resolve. It is, however, simplistic, naive and short sighted to see only the noise and smoke of the pub culture.
The Gaiety School of Acting moved into Temple Bar over a year ago, because of its cultural significance. Our full time acting students, along with the hundreds of children, young people and adults who do weekend, evening and summer courses with us find a welcome and warmth that matches the energy and soul that is Temple Bar. Temple Bar is The Ark, The Film Centre, Arthouse, The Music Centre, the galleries, the restaurants, the drama school, the pubs and the squares. They are what give Temple Bar its true reputation. - Yours etc.
Executive Director,
The Gaiety School of Acting,
Meeting House Square,
Temple Bar,
Dublin 2.