Madam, - It is important to democratise the planning process as much as possible and to foster public participation. This is why I abhor the proposal to limit a person's right of appeal.
We bemoan the fact that only 40 per cent of the electorate turn out in by-elections, but this is symptomatic of a lack of public confidence in institutions. If it is made more difficult for people to access institutions, this will feed the climate of suspicion which currently exists. The charges and restrictions for appeals of planning decisions are wrong in principle. I request the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to review them and have the charges reduced substantially. - Yours, etc.,
Cllr NOEL COLLINS, Midleton, Co Cork.