Madam, - In response to the call by Mr Frank Fahey for other western TDs to combine in support of the exploitation of Corrib gas by the Shell conglomerate, the people of the West might fruitfully call for an inquiry into the whole issue and in particular into why the Government appears so unquestioningly supportive of the oilmen's needs above those of the environment and community.
The pattern of support, often against professional advice, has been disturbing, right from the heady days of Ray Burke's dramatic alteration of exploration legislation depriving the State of revenue from any finds.
Mr Fahey followed by signing for Enterprise Energy Ireland licences for underwater and foreshore developments in an area of special conservation, placing at risk the area's fishing and tourist industries and threatening more jobs than the development would create.
This in turn has been followed by unqualified support for the planning application for an onshore gas terminal - now established by An Bord Pleanála to have been a danger to both environment and community.
Why such unequivocal support? Why this willingness to sacrifice the local community and environment without asking the oil companies to examine less harmful alternatives?
There are few enough trees in Mayo's Barony of Erris, God knows, but perhaps it is time to look under a few stones. - Yours, etc.,
BERNARD GRIMES, Lindsay Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.