City centre amenity feared by the elderly

THE current controversy over skateboarding raises fundamental questions about the way we manage and maintain our public civic spaces.

We in Cork have been shamefully slow in developing a programme of pedestrianisation and equally slow in adopting measures to develop these spaces for the pleasure and relaxation of all our citizens, young and old.

The situation in Emmet Place is not sustainable. That square ought to be

a magnet for buskers, artists, street

theatre and fun. It should be a place where parents would bring their

children, where young and old would meet and mingle, pause and converse.

Instead it has become a place to be avoided, especially by the old and the frail, terrified of being knocked down. I know of elderly people who have been driven out of the square. Is this the kind of city that we want? As to the skateboarders, I will continue to argue for a safe, suitable offstreet site where they can enjoy their sport in safety.

Ald Máirín Quill,

1, Wellesley Terrace,

Wellington Road,

Cork.