Sir, - I refer to Frank McDonald's article, in a recent property section, on the Dublin Port and Docks Board planning applications for the Liffey quayside areas. The article quotes an unnamed source close to the Custom House Docks Development Authority describing as "ludicrous" and riot to be taken seriously, the drawing up of plans by the building surveyors department of a leading firm of valuers and estate agents, as against those which could be drawn up by a qualified architect.
As the representative body for chartered surveyors, we would point out that chartered building surveyor's are eminently qualified by their education and training, to draw up plans and see them through the planning process, and they do so on a regular basis. While fully respecting the expertise of qualified architects, your readers should be aware that they do not have a monopoly in such areas. There are other, equally qualified professionals who carry out such work. - Yours, etc.,
Chief executive,
The Society of
Chartered Surveyors, 5 Wilt on Place,
Dublin 2.