Sir, - The planning system has been in chaos for a considerable time, a situation which results almost entirely from under-funding by successive governments.
The media have responded by criticising individual developments without reference to the severe resource limitations within which the planning system operates. The inadequate attention given to funding has allowed successive governments to avoid blame for the neglect of the system with criticism being levied instead at the planning profession.
The ongoing coverage given to corrupt behaviour is not accompanied by reports on the limited resources available for the operation of the system. Instead the media focus on the more sensational topic of the behaviour of a small number of individuals. Such coverage fuels further condemnation of a system which is already on its knees and may even suggest that corrupt behaviour has been solely responsible for the under-performance of the system.
The response of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to this funding crisis has been to add to the work of planning departments at a time when an unprecedented level of development is taking place. Although the Minister proposes to charge for planning objections, this is hilariously inadequate, being akin to placing a sticky plaster on the foot of a dying person.
The media have a potentially important role to play in highlighting the extent to which the planning system suffers from neglect and can act as a powerful catalyst for improvements in town planning resources. However, until the more widespread problem of under-funding is prioritised over the more sensational issue of corruption, little change can be anticipated. - Yours, etc.,
Vincent J. F. Farry, Chartered Town Planner, South Frederick Street, Dublin 2.