Tragic death must not be repeated

Following the tragic death by drowning of a two-year-old boy on an Athlone ghost estate, there has been reaction from every facet of society.

I have highlighted the issue of these unfinished developments in my own town, and for a long time have said it was only a matter of time before something happened. People in authority can now offer condolences, and protest what should have been done, but the life of a child had to be lost before they reacted to act. To say it makes my blood boil is an understatement.

I can understand that the legal status of some of these unfinished sites can be complicated, but surely, there is someone who can order that these sites are made safe.

My fear is that this reaction will be short-lived because I could almost say for a fact that when I walk past the dangerous site in my town next week or next year, it will still be unsecured, and still as much of a danger as the one in Athlone.

Justin Kelly

Edenderry

Co Offaly