Sir, - An Bord Pleanala's recent decision on the apartments proposed as part of a revamp of Dublin's ILAC Centre is of extraordinary importance to those concerned with affordable housing. Dublin Corporation has required that 15 per cent of the apartments be social/affordable housing provided the site got tax incentives. Despite An Taisce's representations, the Bord removed this condition, its inspector implying that it might be unenforceable. It is unclear if the board took this decision on planning grounds or on legal advice. If the board has received (what would appear to be ultra-conservative) legal advice that a social housing condition undermines a developer's rights to private property then perhaps we should be looking to a constitutional referendum on this most far-reaching matter.
We can have all the progressive aspirations we want. But we will never have sustainable city centre communities in Dublin while planning decisions - as distinct from well-meaning but toothless plans - eschew the notion of community planning gain; and while developments are socially segregated and beyond the financial reach of the long-standing population. - Yours, etc., Michael Smith, Chairman, An Taisce Dublin City Association,
Tailor's Hall, Dublin 8.