Madam - In rezoning substantial tracts of land on the outskirts of Dunleer village, the Fianna Fáil-led Louth County Council has effectively torn up the local area plan - drawn up in consultation with the local community - and, in the process, potentially enriched one of their political colleagues to the tune of €9 million. According to the sole dissenting Fianna Fáil member of the council, Mr Thomas Clare, none of his colleagues felt it necessary to explain why they voted for the rezoning.
It appears that, even in the shadow of the Flood Tribunal, councillors are still motivated to act in the interests of speculators and political colleagues, often contrary to the interests or stated will of their electorate. The fact that they do not feel compelled to explain their decisions can only add to public suspicion and cynicism.
The suggestion by the Louth TD, Mr Fergus O'Dowd, that an independent body should arbitrate in situations where there was significant conflict between planners and councillors is a sensible one.
In the meanwhile, the Minister for the Environment has the power to rescind this undemocratic and damaging rezoning. Will he, like Cllr Clare, act with integrity by putting the common good before vested interests? - Yours, etc.,
RONAN SHALLOE, Grosvenor Lodge, Rathmines, Dublin 6.