Sir, - The criticisms by your Environment Correspondent, Frank McDonald, and by Prof Frank Convery (April 14th) of "plastic" doors and windows in Kinsale (concessions to comfort and convenience) are not very important. The real threat to the unique character of this beautiful small town lies in its hinterland where the UDC has no control.
The setting of Kinsale in the Bandon river estuary, as for a valuable jewel, is as important as the town itself. If it is to be engulfed by large suburban housing estates of holiday homes and/or commuter dormitories, the fragile charm of Kinsale could quickly disappear.
There are already many examples of bad planning with houses strung out on crests of hills and buildings so ugly and intrusive as to defile the countryside. Control of planning for lands outside Kinsale in a radius of, say, three miles would be a sensible move to improve conservation and allow better local participation and consultation.
In recent times the UDC and Cork County Council have clashed on planning decisions outside the town boundaries. On both occasions the UDC's views prevailed, saving something precious for local people.
Coastal zone planning, not only around Kinsale, needs greater emphasis on conservation per se. County councils for the most part represent the short-term news of business, where conservation has a low priority.
Mistakes can be made, even by Kinsale UDC, and every citizen should be alert to the planning process. At this very moment the ancient Norman church of St Multose in the centre of the town is threatened by the approval to construct a large apartment block adjacent to it, overshadowing and possibly undermining this historic and hallowed place of worship. - Yours, etc.,
John Glendinning
Hon Secretary, Commogue Marsh Protection Group, Kinsale, Co Cork.