Expanding Dublin may drain the country dry

I HAVE sometimes wondered if I and many other residents of the western half of Ireland are more than a little paranoid in our belief that east is not only best but is in reality all.

Superhighways and tramways continue to develop in and around Dublin while many urgently needed projects in the west are either cancelled or deferred. In this regard it has long been accepted that a water crisis is imminent for the greater Dublin area.

Rather than siting new industry in the much less populated west where labour and fresh water abound, the Government continues to allow the monstrous expansion of Dublin.

We are told water to service the east coast will be brought from Lough Ree on the Shannon. Has any one figured out the possible dire consequences for that great river and for those who reside on or near its shores?

Have the so-called experts figured out the impact on all forms of aquatic life from Athlone to Kerry Head. Has anybody wondered if the thriving tourism industry on and along the Shannon will be irrevocably damaged?

Does anyone in Dublin care about the efficient working of town and village sewerage schemes which depend on the Shannon?

All the questioning may indeed be a form of paranoia. Or maybe, just maybe, it is based on commonsense and the need to have genuine concern for all of the country.

Cllr Michael Gleeson

Clasheen

Killarney

Co Kerry