Sir, - It is clear from recent reports that a number of politicians who should know better still do not understand the importance of strategy in planning - as laid down in the Strategic Planning Guidelines (SPGs) for the Dublin area, which provide a coherent approach to growth in counties Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and Meath.
For purposes of strategic planning in the Dublin area it does not matter whether (to take some examples) Newtown in Wicklow, Straffan in Kildare or Dunboyne in Meath are to have the best sports facilities imaginable. It does not matter if development is to be linked to reopening of a railway line. Indeed, it does not matter whether it is proposed to develop each of them as a new Tir na nOg. The fact is that the SPGs say growth should take place elsewhere and that these places should be providing for growth to meet local needs only.
In these circumstances, extravagant area action plans, inflated population targets and rezonings for Newtown, Straffan, Dunboyne and many other villages not designated for growth should simply be rejected - on strategic grounds.
In circumstances where county councillors are flouting the SPGs, we hope Mr Dempsey's intervention will be tough and comprehensive. - Yours, etc.,
Michael Smith, National Chairman, An Taisce,
Dublin 8.