Derelict Dublin - a new approach

Sir, – Thanks to Olivia Kelly for her excellent report on Dublin City Council’s new approach to tackle dereliction in Dublin (“‘Our attempt to be brave’: Will the council’s new approach to battling Dublin’s dereliction work?,” April 4th).

For nigh on 50 years I have walked into town on an almost daily basis, passing along North Frederick Street on my way. In all those years the sight of the decaying streetscape with what once would have been Georgian splendour has never ceased to depress me.

And not just the decrepit buildings, but the litter, dirt and grime of their surroundings hang like a dark cloud over our city.

So to read that it is in the sights of the nascent Dublin City Development Corporation has lit the smallest of hope in my heart that this street will rise from the ashes and bring joy to the heart instead of despair. I hope it happens, and I hope I live to see it. – Yours, etc,