Sir, - I write in relation to the Planning and Development Bill which was recently published by the Minister for the Environment, Noel Dempsey. The comprehensive reform of planning law contained within this Bill has rightfully been lauded by the vast majority of those who are interested in the planning process. It is my belief however, that the failure of this Bill to require local authorities to include sustainable development objectives within their development plans is a very serious omission.
The most well-known definition of sustainable development is from the Brundtland Report: "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". This is clearly a broad definition and much hinges on its interpretation. In fact, the term "sustainable development" has been widely misused in this country to defend development practices which are patently unsustainable.
Given the economic boom this country has experienced over the past number of years and the unprecedented demand for housing, it is vitally important that we build checks and balances into the planning process to ensure that the development pressures which are brought to bear on our planners and on our public representatives do not result in excessive, inappropriate and unsustainable development practices.
I would point to my own electoral area, Bray, as an example of a town which has been allowed to develop in a most unsustainable way. The huge amount of residential development which has been given planning permission over the past 20 years has not been accompanied by the development of badly needed community facilities, children's playgrounds or public open spaces. Where it impeded the prospects of new development, the architecture of the town was neglected or destroyed. The town is now beset by ongoing planning controversies as local residents fight to preserve the few remaining green open spaces in the town for themselves and for their children.
I am deeply concerned that the Irish planning process will be able to respond to the serious development challenges which face this country due to its rapidly changing economic circumstances, I call on Minister Dempsey to amend the new Planning and Development Bill and to require that local authorities include concrete and measurable sustainable development objectives in their forthcoming development plans. - Yours, etc.,
Deirdre de Burca, Novara Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow.