Houses for Haiti

HAVING read John O’Shea’s letter (July 31) regarding junior minister Peter Power’s visit to Haiti, a thought crossed my mind.

One of Ireland’s big problems at present is what to do with aptly-named ghost estates. Are these to be left as monuments to a period of greed, graft, corruption and, above all, bad government? I sincerely hope not.

Nobody so far has come up with a solution. Massive demolition would only add to our waste problems.

My suggestion is careful dismantling, well supervised, saving all that is reusable — doors, windows, all timbers, household fittings etc. The list is endless. Haiti is crying out for such materials so why not ship the lot out to these misfortunate people?

This proposal may sound a bit airy-fairy, but when you think of the work it would generate, not to mention the goodwill, I really think it is worth considering.

Dr TA O’Donovan

Five Acres

Ballyduff Upper

Co Waterford