Monument should not be used as dump site

THE national monument in Grand Parade is a landmark we in Cork should be proud of.

It commemorates those who gave their lives in the struggle for Irish freedom in 1798, 1803, 1848 and 1867.

It is also the site of the execution of some of our patriot dead and is also the starting point for commemorative events throughout the year, remembering the likes of Terence MacSwiney and the men and women of Easter 1916.

The current reconstruction of Grand Parade has obscured the view of the monument, but not so much that it is entirely out of sight.

The fact that it has for some considerable time been used as storage space for building equipment and general rubbish can still clearly be seen. Inside the iron fence and against the stone itself there are several upside-down traffic bollards, plastic roadside barriers and an assortment of other building materials.

Even though it will be some time before tourists and locals alike can properly enjoy the monument in its new surroundings, an effort should be made to keep it dignified in appearance, rather than using it and its surroundings as store for building materials.

In the minds of many of visitors, Cork city is synonymous with the struggle for national liberation.

Those who so unselfishly made sacrifices for this cause deserve to be shown more respect.

Henry Cremin

36 Greenfields

Model Farm Road

Cork