Madam, – Your Editorial on planning errors (December 21st) surprisingly failed to mention local government reform. Outside genuine corrupt decisions, cash-strapped local authorities will be inclined to agree to ill-advised development projects in order to collect levies. We need to reduce the number of local authorities (and councillors) and allow those remaining to charge local income taxes or property rates.
There should also be a national development agency that would buy property in line with spatial strategies at agricultural prices and apply for planning permission for various projects: housing, schools, transport, etc. The actual construction of these could be done by private developers at the behest of the relevant authority (eg Department of Education or Health). The end of developer-led development is essential in providing proper sustainable residential and transport infrastructure in Ireland. – Yours, etc,