Sir, - After reading Frank McDonald's piece on the Draft 1998 Dublin City Development Plan (Property, April 16th), I am concerned that he seems to misunderstand the nature of a development plan.
A development plan, especially for a city, is a corporate production. I do not claim it to be the Planning Department's plan. It is a plan prepared by many people inside and outside Dublin Corporation who have devoted time and effort over several months to the communal purpose.
With the current initiative for better local government, the production of a plan is a task which concerns our elected public representatives, Dublin City Council. I think it would be ungracious to ignore the commitment and teamwork of so many and I am surprised that a reporter of his long experience and standing fails to emphasise this for your readers.
May I take this opportunity to thank my excellent team of planners headed by Mr Rory Deegan, senior planner, for their work on the plan and also so many other concerned and committed people for their co-operation and contributions. - Yours, etc.,
Patrick F. A. McDonnell
Dublin City Planning Officer, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8.