Madam, - It is regrettable that Michael Cawley (May 20th), prior to putting pen to paper, did not examine the Wicklow County Development Plan, the Strategic Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area or, indeed, the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for 1,349 houses at Charlesland in Greystones. Despite his attempts at puerile sarcasm, I am happy to assist his understanding of the issues.
The county development plan currently provides for an indicative maximum population of 22,000 (from 11,296 in 1996) for Greystones by 2016. The Strategic Planning Guidelines have included Greystones in the "Metropolitan Area" and identified the town as a major development centre within that area. In its decision to grant permission for 1,349 houses at Charlesland-Killincarrig, An Bord Pleanála listed the Strategic Planning Guidelines as the first item considered in making its decision.
New infrastructure (such as the DART extension and a major sewage treatment plant) have already been provided in Greystones, and further major projects (including new roads, active recreational facilities, coastal protection works, harbour improvements, a swimming pool and a community centre) will be provided in the near future to support the expansion of the town.
I cannot imagine what Mr Cawley's objection could be to the location of employment and commercial development adjacent to a large housing development in a growth centre with a deficit of job opportunities. Isn't this the epitome of sustainable development? It certainly makes perfect sense on our planet! - Yours, etc.,
EDWARD SHEEHY, Wicklow County Manager, Áras an Chontae, Cill Mhantáin.