Sir, – An Bord Pleanála’s recent decision to grant planning permission for 536 apartments on St Paul’s school playing pitches in Raheny, under the new fast-track planning act, despite 1102 objections, sets a worrying precedent for protection of other Z15 zoned community lands. These lands were recently sold off by their institutional owners, the Vincentians. They were extensively used by local community GAA, rugby and soccer clubs that are now left without facilities, due to adjoining St Anne’s pitches already being at maximum capacity. Given institutional ownership of most schools and community sports grounds, all must now be worried. A shameful side effect of the Government’s rush for a quick fix to the self-created housing crisis. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT DRYSDALE,
Killester,
Dublin 5.