ROBERT S. MYERSCOUGH,
Sir, - Mr Eamon Ó Cuiv has accused An Taisce of being "hell-bent on ignoring the wishes and needs of the people of Ireland, particularly those living in rural areas". I suggest that Mr Ó Cuiv is out of touch, not only with a large number of the people, but with his responsibilities as Minister of State for Arts and Heritage.
By definition, the word "heritage" refers to valued objects and qualities such as historic buildings, unspoilt countryside, and cultural traditions that have been passed down from previous generations.
Equally, it relates to things of special architectural, historical, or natural value that are protected and preserved for the nation. In other words, the emphasis is on protecting and preserving.
We, the people of Ireland, inherited a beautiful island which developers, individuals and other vested interests seem hell-bent on destroying at our expense. We all need to be aware that we bear a collective responsibility for what we pass on to future generations; that the landscape belongs to all of us, and that it is being irredeemably destroyed.
Much of Wicklow county is at risk. Much damage has been done already. Take the village of Roundwood, once a cluster of houses, pubs and shops, respectful of the surrounding countryside. Through the apparently "legitimate planning process", it has been allowed to spread its insidious tentacles for miles into the surrounding countryside in all directions. Sadly, Roundwood is not an isolated example of a policy which Mr Ó Cuiv appears to endorse.
Why is that in more densely populated Great Britain there seems to be more unspoilt countryside for the visitor to enjoy? Perhaps it is has been helped in recent times by the introduction of the Planning Policy Guide. For example, Note 7 of the PPG sets out the parameters permitting building an isolated new house in the countryside, where there has been no previous dwelling: it should be clearly of the highest quality, be truly outstanding in terms of its architecture and landscape design, and significantly enhance the immediate setting and wider surroundings. The PPG also requires designs to take proper account of the local vernacular materials and traditions. There the common good overrides the individual requirement.
What we need is a planning policy that is sensitive to the need to enhance the countryside while meeting the needs of genuine country dwellers. In the meantime we are beholden to An Taisce for the splendid work it is doing on our behalf, and for future generations. - Yours, etc.,
ROBERT S. MYERSCOUGH,
Kendalstown Rise,
Delgany,
Co Wicklow.