Sir, - Robert Lloyd Praeger, An Taisce's founding president, in 1946 foresaw that: "Carelessness, ignorance or selfishness could create a conflict between the pursuits of economic progress and the protection of Ireland's inherited riches." He set An Taisce the task of organising "a solid body of public opinion to safeguard our treasures, both of the past and the present for the benefit of all the people." We are a selfless organisation and all of our work is for the benefit of all the people.
Regarding Mr Galligan's remarks of elitism (The Irish Times, July 17th) in reference to both An Taisce and the Burren Action Group. I feel that such language is not only of no positive contribution but is in fact divisive. These organisations are made up of people that have the ability to foresee exactly what Robert Lloyd Praeger saw more than 50 years ago and those that work on behalf of such organisations give up a lot of time to do so.
The imposition by the Minister, Sile de Valera, or her representatives, of the proposed structures into an area of such quality is a terribly modern example of how little has changed. Accusations of this kind by representatives of the Minister contribute nothing to what must be a consensus of vision towards our future environment, natural or built. - Yours, etc., Gerald F. Crilly, Hon Sec Co Louth Association and National Council,
An Taisce, Dunleer, Co Louth.