Fee for planning appeals

Madam, - An appeal against a planning decision must be accompanied with €200. This I can understand. It stops spurious claims.

But when the claimant succeeds in proving the planners wrong, does this mean, as in normal business practices, that a refund is forthcoming - with an apology? Plus a sweetener?

Oh, no. Instead you get the following: "A chara, I wish to inform you there is no refund available under the Planning and Development Act 2000. Copy enclosed."

And we think we are living in a democracy? - Yours, etc.,

WALTER H. LOUGHREY,

Ballinrobe,

Co Mayo.