Re: Re: Government-by-numbers

Fair enough JDP people have the right to expect all of the above, a House (even though Ireland is one of the few countries that does not have this right enshrined in its constitution) water, and electricity.

However it is now 2005 and you would expect that standards might strech be a little further than the basics. I am talking about the social and cultural benifits associated with urban living. A choice of schools, librarys, museums, civic spaces that act as meeting points and centre of the community eg markets, event spaces, shopping, entertainment and leisure facilities such as cinemas and good year round sports facilities. Social spaces bars nightclubs, performance arts venues and a choice of restaurants. The choice to walk, cycle or drive or use public transport to the above and to your workplace so they are accessible to all. Daycare facilities for your children, playgrounds and parks, easy access to healthcare facilities and a university or IT …..start-up buisness spaces ……..a small town will not be able to provide all of the above but it should provide some and a good transport link to the rest.

When towns and cities start to provide the above in a coherent and civic manner then peoples perceptions about urban life will soon start to change.

You would think that Ireland as a country that has developed so late that we would look to the mistakes of others and try a different approach ……..however we seem to be making a real mess of it all by ourselves.