We need a hi-tech, multi-purpose venue for events like Web Summit

Of course, the Government supports the Web Summit (Irish Examiner, October 17)). That is their statement. Would they say otherwise?

Yet, it does not manifest itself in tangible, concrete forms, but merely, as one of your article suggests, as a photo opportunity.

Let’s be clear: the RDS, as an exhibition centre, has seen its day. Whatever its limitations for exhibitions, it is totally unsuitable for the presentation and housing of modern, high-spec technological events. What is needed is a new-build construction with internal, multi-purpose adaptabilities and wiring.

Some of the downsides to the Web Summit, previously, have been the lack of connectivity and the bizarre food arrangements.

Guests and participants were not able to relax because they were not self-contained. They had not arrived at an integral event. One must remember, interacting on-site and off-site simultaneously involves indeterminate time.

This cannot happen if one has to leave the main auditorium to perform a task or consult a forum, or simply carry that concern.

The Government has no comprehension about just what is required to create an environment conducive to high-tech digital interplay for creative enterprises.

It is not the job of civil servants to be imaginative.

One should expect politicians to have forward vision. Sadly, this coalition couldn’t tell a Botticelli from a Bansky.

Ireland is ideally located for such conferences, in terms of accessibility and onward access.

The Web Summit will surely experience extra costs and logistic difficulties in choosing Portugal. They must live with that.

But what we can do is make Ireland an unmissable location for such events.

David Lyons

Pier19

Bridgefoot Street,

Dublin