An Taisce and Planning
Madam, - The director of An Taisce, Gavin Harte (June
22nd.) responds to a report in your edition of the
previous day by saying that "the Irish environment needs
a strong voice to protect it for future generations".
But he deals unsatisfactorily with the criticisms of An
Taisce's participation in the planning process. Your
report quoted the disapproval expressed by Cllr. P.J.
Kelly and others that objections made by An Taisce are
not disclosed to applicants for planning permission.
Thus An Taisce's "strong voice" is heard only behind
closed doors, leaving the public feeling that An Taisce
is whispering into the ears of planning officials. Mr.
Harte tells us why his organisation's prescribed status
to make objections is warranted. However, he fails to
justify the confidentiality of its objections.
Constitutional justice demands that all relevant
information before an administrative body be brought to
the attention of the person concerned: audi alteram
partem. As the source of this requirement is the
Constitution it cannot simply be over-ridden by statute,
as Mr. Harte seems to believe the planning code does.
- Yours, etc,
SHANNON HAYNES,
Caherlag,
Glounthaune,
Co. Cork.
© The Irish Times, 27th. June 2006.
