An Taisce's role in
Planning
Madam, - Gavin Harte's attack on John Waters (Opinion
& Analysis, July 19th.) is a perfect example of why
An Taisce needs to be stripped of it statutory right to
meddle in the planning process.
Throughout the 20th. century Ireland suffered greatly
because of its willingness to outsource important
functions of the State, such as social welfare and
education, to well-meaning third parties which operated
outside the democratic process and inevitably pursued
agendas of their own.
An Taisce is no different in this regard. While it may
claim to have the interests of the country at heart, its
willingness to pursue public vendettas against critics
such as John Waters and make heated allegations about the
planning applications of public figures such as Fintan
O'Toole makes it very clear that it can not be trusted to
make impartial and objective contributions to the
planning process and therefore should not have a
statutory role.
- Yours, etc,
DAVID ROLFE,
Leinster Road,
Dublin 6.
© The Irish Times, 28th. July 2006.
