Sir, – The Constitution of Ireland is clear: candidates for the presidency may be nominated by four local authorities.
This provision exists to ensure that the nomination process is not monopolised by party elites in Leinster House and to allow for broader democratic participation, including by councillors representing their local communities.
Recent suggestions that political parties will “direct” their councillors not to support Independent candidates in the presidential race are deeply troubling.
Such moves, whether formal or informal, are not only anti-democratic but arguably undermine the constitutional purpose of allowing local authorities to nominate. Councillors are elected by the people to exercise their judgment, not to act as party delegates.
RM Block
Attempting to impose party discipline on a constitutional process intended to be pluralistic sets a dangerous precedent. It narrows the democratic field, silences independent voices, and reduces councillors to rubber stamps. This may not breach the Constitution in a strictly legal sense, but it certainly breaches its spirit.
Ireland deserves a presidential nomination process that is open, fair, and reflective of the full diversity of the nation, not one filtered through internal party politics. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL O’DOWD,
Drogheda,
Co Louth.
Sir, – Given the lack of influence over government policy does it really matter whether a presidential candidate is left, right or centrist as long as they are mindful of their constitutional obligations. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT GRAYDON,
Redgate,
Limerick.
Sir, – Micheál Martin and Mary Lou McDonald to become rotating president.
All other candidates to be super juniors.
Easy ! – Yours, etc,
JIM TOOMEY,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin.
Sir, – With regard to potential candidates for the presidency, one new criteria this time should be “will they look good as a tea cosy?” – Yours, etc,
SIOBHÁN NÍ CHUANAIGH,
Clonskeagh,
Dublin 14.
Housing and costs
Sir, – Cost is, understandably, a major constraint in public infrastructure and housing. But recent statements by Minister for Public Infrastructure Jack Chambers, and the reduction in apartment standards announced by Minister for Housing James Browne, suggest a worrying trend: valuing short-term savings over long-term quality.
There’s a persistent myth that good design is expensive. In truth, thoughtful design is what delivers true value for money. When upfront cost becomes the only driver, we risk undermining the liveability and resilience of our built environment.
One particularly regressive change is the move away from dual-aspect apartments and the loosening of limits on the number of homes per core – a shift likely to result in endless corridors and anonymous housing blocks (fire regulations notwithstanding). Decades of experience tell us this erodes social ties, weakens community cohesion, and invites security issues. Shared spaces become nobody’s responsibility, and those most affected – the elderly, parents, people with disabilities – are left dealing with the fallout.
The government’s own architectural policy, Places for People (2022), prioritises design quality, sustainability, and long-term value. Yet we now seem to be ignoring its principles in favour of the old “cheapest wins” procurement model.
When minimum standards are set, they quickly become maximums. Has anyone properly assessed the unintended consequences of these new policies? Or are we leaving that for the next generation to discover?
As those working in architecture and urban design know, the real impact of decisions made today will be seen in 10 or 20 years. By then, we may regret trading long-term liveability for short-term savings.
We remain committed to creating vibrant, inclusive neighbourhoods – but the quality of what we’re allowed to build matters. – Yours, etc,
JONNY McKENNA,
Partner,
Metropolitan Workshop,
Fumbally Court,
Dublin.
Sir, – Please allow me to bring some clarity to the debate over the disappearance of bedsit accommodation since 2009.
Contrary to what Michael McDowell says, bedsits were not prohibited by the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008. The significant requirements of the Act were for each bedsit to have independent cooking and sanitary accommodation. Fire safety was to be addressed by the installation of a fire alarms and smoke blankets.
Some landlords were able to bring existing bedsits into compliance by internal subdivision of apartments or by building extensions.
However, these were in the minority. The simplest solution for landlords was to eliminate some of the bedsits to serve as bathrooms and kitchens for the others. Inevitably, this led to a reduction in bedsit numbers.
But this solution was not as simple as it seemed. When planning applications were made they were judged against the minimum apartment area criteria contained in the local authority development plans.
These standards, primarily intended for new apartments, meant that many applications were refused as being “sub-standard”. For instance, a house in nine bedsits seeking to reduce to six might only achieve permission for three apartments.
There was a further complication. Material alterations to the building associated with the re-ordering of the apartments would have to comply with Part B of the building regulations. This resulted in a root and branch fire and structural upgrading. Is it any wonder that property owners would choose the option to sell in these circumstances?
One cannot argue against proper minimum standards for living accommodation, but nobody considered or understood the social cost of the regulations and nobody sought to advocate on behalf of those tenants who were affected.
Clearly, as per John Mark McCafferty’s letter (July 10th), Threshold were fully behind the regulations.
I question Mr McCafferty’s assertion that there were sufficient low-cost apartments available to tenants coming out of bedsits. Daft reported in 2009 that the average monthly apartment rent cost in Dublin was €1,070 and nationally €840.
Yes, rents were falling due to recession, but this was not likely to persist. It is difficult to find an average pre-2009 bedsit rental cost, but a trawl on the internet suggests a figure of €400 per month.
In 2009 the old-age pension was €876 per month. Need I say more?
Clearly, the social cost of the 2008 regulations was not understood or considered at the time either by those who advocated for the regulations or those who introduced them. – Yours, etc,
JOHN DEATON,
Dublin 14.
Obama, oh dear . . .
Sir, – Great news – former POTUS Barack Obama is coming to Dublin. I’m really motivated to attend. I can buy a ticket. I just need to focus.
Believe. Yes I can!
But wait, look at the price.
No, I can’t! – Yours, etc,
MARY FOGARTY ,
Balbriggan,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – I was astounded to see Barrack Obama is putting on a performance at the 3 Arena.
Would his obvious talents not be better employed trying to influence policy in his own country and the Middle East and perhaps break the media blackout in Gaza?
He hardly needs the money. – Yours, etc,
MAGGIE FITZGERALD,
Station Road,
Killiney.
Bonfires in the North
Sir, – An estimated two million wooden pallets will be burned on the 11th night in the North as a so-called expression of culture, along with tens of thousands of tyres.
The environmental, public health, and financial costs are staggering. Burning tyres and treated timber releases toxic pollutants such as dioxins, heavy metals, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Research has shown that emissions from these fires can temporarily push air pollution in affected areas to levels far exceeding EU and World Health Organisation safety thresholds.
The clean-up cost to public bodies in the North runs into millions annually, with local councils, the Housing Executive, and NI Water all forced to fund damage repair and waste removal. This excludes the untold cost to private industry, such as pallet suppliers, whose property is sometimes stolen. Some retailers have launched investigations after their pallets appeared in bonfire piles. Despite environmental legislation clearly prohibiting open burning of waste, there is no enforcement, but often de facto collusion.
Regulatory bodies appear paralysed by so-called political sensitivities, while police often classify bonfires as “community relations” matters, not environmental crimes. The result is a law-free zone.
Any debate on a united Ireland will have to confront this issue in a way British politicians, the Northern Ireland Executive and the PSNI have failed to do.
But, surely the kind of paralysis evident here makes it clear to anyone in the South that inheriting this environmental nightmare would be a bridge too far? – Yours, etc,
DECLAN DOYLE,
Kilkenny.
Walking, ducking and a bit of diving
Sir, – I do a bit of walking and recently I had a Eureka moment when it came to me that there may be a connection between the upsurge in the numbers presenting with insect bites and the overgrowth of shrubs, bushes and trees on paths and roads.
Regularly, pedestrians have to duck and dive to avoid overhanging foliage and to weave on and off paths. Sometimes that’s not possible and, when wearing shorts, I’ve turned out to be easy pickings for various bugs and have the scars to prove it.
There are times when, in the interest of nature, pruning back vegetation is not advisable. However, that seems now to be the case all year round now and I wonder if the only cutbacks councils are bothered with are budgetary? – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL KEEGAN,
Booterstown,
Co Dublin.
An ice-cream shared . . .
Sir, – What a heartening photograph, by Bryan O’Brien, of little Sofia Levins and her mam on your front page (July 10th).
It contrasts starkly with the banner photo of the glum looking Gallagher brothers (Oasis) just above it.
I wonder if Sofia could share some of her ice-cream with these two boys. It might brighten up their day too. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL GANNON,
Saint Thomas Square,
Kilkenny.
Take a bow, letter writers
Sir, – Last month your letter writers highlighted lack of respect shown by GAA teams at the playing of our national anthem. Since then at televised games there has certainly been a considerable improvement in players’ attention to this matter.
Last week a letter writer complained about the lack of action by airport police in preventing parking at the set down area at Terminal 1 in Dublin Airport which had been highlighted by another reader.
Yesterday, at a very busy time on arrival at Terminal l set-down, as I found a place, I noticed airport police member walking past.
He immediately engaged in conversation with the driver of vehicle, clearly parked, behind me.
Having delivered my passenger, I noticed he was still engaged with this driver. Obviously, your letter writers complaints are being noticed by “the powers that be” in all areas.
Take a bow letter writers and The Irish Times. – Yours, etc,
RICHARD POWER,
Ballymacarbry,
Co Waterford.
Sitting on the benches
Sir, – It was wonderful to see the excellent high quality work that was done between Leeson Street and Baggot Street, particularly the all-important benches.
I wonder could Waterways Ireland consider installing some benches on the stretch between Tyrconnell Road and Harold’s Cross bridge?
There are no benches on this stretch of canal which includes Drimnagh, Inchicore and Crumlin.
I emailed them on this topic, but they’re obviously too busy working in Dublin 4 to reply. – Yours, etc ,
SHEA CARROLL,
Emmet Road,
Dublin 8.
Supermarket sweeps
Sir, – Barry O’Halloran reported that Tesco will create 400 jobs and that the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment predicted the move will boost local towns (“Tesco to create 400 jobs,” July 7th).
One wonders if there are any jobs being created or if they are displacing smaller shops and businesses.
There is a finite amount of money to go around so I question how these new jobs will be created.
I also question how they will boost local towns as Tesco stores are often found on the outskirts of towns and actually take from the traditional core (where the displaced businesses are usually located)
They are certainly not a boost.
I don’t think the Minister is joining the dots here. – Yours, etc,
JAMES STAPLETON,
Balbriggan,
Co Dublin.
Vacant buildings in Dublin
Sir, – Mark Wynne (Letters, July 10th) is correct to express astonishment at the dereliction in Dublin city centre. This newspaper published a comprehensive article by your Dublin Editor Olivia Kelly in early February.
It had collated perfect data in its research and statistics for the Minister for Housing, James Browne, and the Government to act in relation to empty properties between the two canals in Dublin.
No further investigation or “looking into the matter” was required. In the following weeks, I was waiting (along with many others, I’m sure) on some major announcement by the Government about how legislation and taxation policy would be changed immediately so that these 4,000 (approximately) units between the two canals would be turned into student accommodation, shared living, etc.
But nothing.
As Mr Wynne writes, it is “low hanging fruit”, and the lack of action by the Government in the last five months shows they really do not care about solving the housing crisis and do have their heads in the sand. – Yours, etc,
ORLA MAGORRIAN,
Clontarf,
Dublin.
