Madam, - Given the runaway expense associated with so many development projects in the country, the statement of the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, that he is currently examining proposals for a "Critical Infrastructures Bill" (Irish Times, April 1st), is to be welcomed. As doubtless he is painfully aware, the cost of new roads and motorways has proven especially expensive, with the outlay on various projects far exceeding the original estimates.
However, while sympathising with his desire to reduce the expense to the taxpayer caused by delays and the failure of local authorities and commercial contractors to finish projects on time, I would urge the Minister to think carefully before placing the timely completion of projects before the needs of proper comprehensive planning.
The political manipulation of planning in Ireland is a disgrace, and is probably the root cause of some of the most controversial delays. One only has to look at Carrickmines in south County Dublin, where completion of the M50 motorway is now on hold because the original route approved by official planners was discarded by county councillors - politicians all - in favour of an alternative course that ran close by the lands of well-connected property speculators and straight through the site of a medieval castle and national monument.
If the proposed new legislation fails to allow for open and accountable planning procedures and places speed before heritage, I fear that many more of our treasured historical sites will be put at risk, and there will be more, not less, delays as a result of legal proceeding instigated by concerned parties like the "Carrickminders". - Yours, etc.,
Dr DAVID EDWARDS, Department of History, University College, Cork.