Madam, - Congratulations on the recent series of articles by Frank McDonald and Kathy Sheridan about Ireland's attempt to plan for sustainable development. I particularly welcome the subsequent article from Prof Frank Convery and Dr Peter Clinch commenting on the need for proper planning when developing.
I look forward to the day when local authorities and universities will, with the elected councillors, identify and address local challenges together.
Here in the county of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, we local councillors are trying to tackle housing shortages. There is, according to the manager, no shortage of housing for those at the upper end of the market. The problems lie at the other end, for the first-time buyer. Our children, the next generation, are facing an almost impossible task if they hope to live in their county of origin.
We in the Labour group of councillors responded to this challenge by bringing forward proposals to meet this specific demand by proposing that any new land to be zoned would be in the affordable bracket. The result? A draft development plan now on public view carrying a health warning from the manager. Unless and until we the elected councillors agree to rezone more land in the county, our plan is deemed illegal. How are we to be allowed tackle real problems? Are the builders and developers to be allowed another round of speculation that will price living in this area out of our children's pockets? - Is mise,
Cllr NIAMH BHREATHNACH, Anglesea Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.