Sir, – John Goode’s correspondence (Small towns – a looming crisis, Letters to the Editor, April 22nd) to your newspaper is timely. Our small towns offer walkability, public services, characterful homes, integrated food systems and social connection.
Planning permission still being granted by local authorities for rural one-off housing is indefensible as we face a climate crisis. As outlined in the National Development Plan 2021-2030, we are to “transition to a climate-neutral and climate-resilient society”.
Schemes like the Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant cannot be availed of if ownership of vacant and derelict buildings cannot be established.
Dereliction taxation on empty buildings may catalyse a release of these properties for buyers and reduce the commercial rates of your correspondent. – Yours, etc,
Council to run the rule over Portobello house revival as Hugh Wallace deviates from the plan
The Guildford Four’s Paddy Armstrong: ‘People thought I was going to be bitter and twisted when I came out of prison’
The 2 Johnnies Christmas Party at 3Arena: It’s easy to sneer at the triteness and crudeness, but are 13,000 happy fans wrong?
Father’s U-turn in a will left son who took care of him with a pittance
BEN Mc CABE,
Dublin 6.