Walkers divided on plans to upgrade Great South Wall
Orla Courtney, from Drumcondra, with daughters Grace O'Donnell, left, 11, and Ciara, 11, right, with pal Lizzy Gough, 2nd from left, 14, from Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare. Great South Wall, Poolbeg, Dublin. Picture: Caroline Quinn
James and Miriam Farrell, from Balrothery, Dublin, with daughter Megan, 10. Great South Wall, Poolbeg, Dublin. Picture: Caroline Quinn
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A PROPOSAL to partially resurface Dublin's iconic Great South Wall to improve the safety of the uneven pathway has been given a mixed reaction by walkers.
Businessman Harry Crosbie has suggested building a two-metre wide pathway to smooth over the uneven surface, while preserving most of the historic paving stones.
He says a sponsor might be found to cover the cost.
The idea to resurface the 300-year-old wall has been backed by his pal, broadcaster Gay Byrne.
But the plan is facing opposition, with councillor Paddy McCartan saying it would be "akin to putting a tarmac path up Croagh Patrick".
John Ellis, from Templeogue, told the Herald that his wife fell and split her lip while walking on the wall one day. But he insists it'd be a shame if the surface was changed.
"It could've happened anywhere. It would be a shame to destroy something that has been there for so many years," he said.
Running
Kevin Kennedy, from Drimnagh, who was fishing off the wall, said he thought the proposed resurfacing is a good plan.
"I love to go running, so something like this would be very beneficial for people looking to go for a run," he said.
A new pathway would open up the hidden gem to people of all ages, said Miriam Farrell (52) from Balrothery.
"I actually went on my ankle earlier, so it is a bit dangerous," she said.
Orla Courtney from Drumcondra said she thinks the wall is "perfectly fine the way it is".
Former Late Late Show host Byrne told the Sunday Times that the paving is "crooked, bockety and dangerous" and he was for resurfacing.