A chara, - Having read Diarmaid Ferriter's article on Michael Davitt (May 30th) it occurred to me that it is unlikely that any country in Europe has turned its back on the ideals of its former leaders in the struggle for freedom and social cohesion to the same extent as this country.
There is little attempt to serve the common good when it comes to property and housing.
Who are the real beneficiaries of the so-called housing boom in Ireland? Banks with their 40-year mortgages, developers with their constant building, and landowners with the inflated prices being paid for land. At least the first two actually do a bit of work for their money. Landowners just go to the local politician and get their land rezoned.
It appears that politicians, in their concern for the plight of house-hunters, believe rezoning swathes of land regardless of the amount already zoned is the best way to lessen house price inflation. This is a flawed way of thinking. One only has to look at our capital city stretching into neighbouring counties to realise what a failed policy this is.
If our councillors are that concerned with providing land at reasonable cost, isn't it time to call on the Government to allow local authorities to buy land at agricultural price plus 25 per cent?
This would create a situation where local councils would be able to develop affordable housing in a cohesive and quality design-led fashion. This would be a fitting way to celebrate the centenary of Michael Davitt's death.
- Is mise,
SIMON WARREN, Dingle Sustainable Development Group, Strand Street, Dingle, Co Kerry.