An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, has discontinued the membership of a number of new members from the west of Ireland. It claims these members were "infiltrators" intent on influencing the organisation's policy on one-off housing in rural areas.
The "expulsions" have added fuel to the ongoing controversy over rural planning and have led to claims that An Taisce is becoming an "arrogant", "elitist" and "undemocratic" organisation.
Three people from the south Mayo/north Connemara region were recently accepted as members of the 5,000-strong organisation after paying their membership fee of €35 each.
However, the money was returned, together with €10 interest, after the three expressed an interest in positions on An Taisce's national council.
The decision on the memberships was confirmed by Mr Ian Lumley, heritage officer with An Taisce. "Their objectives directly conflict with those of An Taisce."
The situation has led to claims by Mr Brendan O'Mahony, vice- president of the Irish Farmers' Association in Connacht, that An Taisce is "turning into a secret society". In addition, Mayo Independent TD Dr Jerry Cowley criticised it for its "arrogance and elitist behaviour".
Oughterard-based auctioneer Mr Frank Conroy was one of those whose membership was rejected. "My motives in joining were purely so that I might have an opportunity from within to influence An Taisce into adopting a more sensible attitude towards rural planning," he said.
Rejecting suggestions that he had links with a named property developer, Mr Conroy said he ran an independent practice. "I could have been a good and active member of An Taisce," Mr Conroy said. "As a supposedly democratic organisation it should have been able to accommodate me."
However, Mr Lumley has made it clear the organisation does not accept as members people who do not subscribe to its objectives. "We are very busy. We cannot allow our work to be obstructed by those with vested interests."
Mr Conroy says he is now considering taking legal advice on his situation.