Sir, - On March 20th your paper reported the High Court judgment in favour of the road-widening through the Glen of the Downs nature reserve, as well as the National Development Plan for the years 2000 to 2006 "Plotting a path to maintaining Ireland's economic growth". Neither boded well for the future of the environment.
Your editorial of the same day exhorts the Glen campaigners to accept the judgment on the grounds that the economy depends on providing a modern infrastructure, including more roads. The ESRI report also argues for the continuing development of so called "modern" infrastructures.
However, as an environmentalist, I dispute that the outmoded policy of unrestricted road growth which encourages car use can really be called modern. Most other European countries have bitten the bullet and invested in an efficient and attractive public transport system. Why not Ireland?
We all know in our hearts that any economic strategy based on un-sustainability has a time-bomb strapped to its underbelly. But we're enjoying the ride so much that we're closing our eyes and pretending everything OK. It's not.
The struggle to save the glen has implications beyond the preservation of its woodland and wildlife, unique and precious as it is. It has become a symbol of the challenge we face of how to enter the third millennium in a way that respects modern living standards without irrevocably destroying the sacred gifts of the natural world. What a wonderful opportunity for Ireland to make a stand - perhaps not entirely lost yet! - Yours, etc., Conchita Pinto,
Kilcoole, Co Wicklow.