PAUL H. O'NEILL,
Sir, - I note that the good councillors of Mayo (The Irish Times, February 13th) are attacking An Taisce and a so-called superior Dublin mindset. It appears that An Taisce is objecting to many planning decisions within the Mayo area, and has now been de-listed from any consultation concerning the County Development Plan.
I am not, nor have I ever been, a member of An Taisce. The views expressed herein are entirely my own, and I make no apology for them.
I am, quite frankly, fed up and disgusted with county councillors who have the vision of a blind tortoise when it comes to planning matters. This once beautiful land has been hopelessly despoiled by insensitive developments, one-off houses, etc. Do these councillors not see beyond the end of their parish boundaries to the wider picture, namely, tourism, which has now become our major industry?
I have brought a number of tourists around the country who have been appalled at the so-called green and natural unspoiled Ireland which, in reality, resembled a surburban housing estate. If these people cannot see the mess they are creating, I despair for them. - Yours, etc.,
PAUL H. O'NEILL,
Haddington Square,
Beggar's Bush,
Dublin 4.