Sir, - The Department of the Environment has directed that, from January 1st, members of the public and politicians will have to pay £16 every time they write to a local authority planning office. The latter will undoubtedly reclaim it on expenses.
Since July 30th, I have written 15 letters to Clonmel Corporation Planning Office concerning development at an important protected structure. I received only one reply, which did not address the issues I raised.
Had the £16 charge been in place, it would have cost me £240. For what? - Yours, etc.,
Adrian Carroll, Gladstone Street, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.