Sir, - An Taisce is the only body that systematically monitors development in Dublin city centre. For years it has been clear to us that a high percentage of development the city either has no permission or is in breach of the conditions of its permission. Dublin Corporation seems unconcerned by this.
Many written complaints from An Taisce, primarily concerning planning and conservation, go unheeded - indeed, often without reply. The only time a response is guaranteed is where we can show that the illegal development poses a fire hazard.
More than a year ago An Taisce compiled a list of 11 properties where illegal development had recently occurred and which were a fire hazard. After intervention by the Department of the Environment, Dublin Corporation acknowledged that nearly all of these complaints were justified. But as of today proper enforcement action has been taken in very few even of these cases.
An Taisce knows there are hundreds of properties in Dublin city centre which are fire traps. Many of these developments are occupied by Eastern Health Board tenants. There is little evidence that the authorities intend to get to grips with the need for action which enforces the law in a systematic way.
In these circumstances we are extremely concerned that the recent fires on Belvedere Place and on Nelson Street, where 24 homeless EHB tenants were lucky to escape with their lives, may not be the last. - Yours, etc.,
John O'Sullivan, Chairman, City Planning Committee, An Taisce, Dublin, Tailors Hall, Dublin 8.