Sir, – You report that Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald called for a process of engagement with Coolock residents over concerns about housing plans for asylum seekers (“Mary Lou McDonald accuses Government of ‘arrogant and disrespectful’ attitude to Coolock residents”, News, July 20th).
In recent times, there have been similar calls on this issue from politicians across the political divide.
As a former community worker, it is a surprise to me that Irish politicians now see community engagement as useful. In my experience, apart from some notable exceptions, most politicians and governments of whatever hue have never viewed it as a high priority.
They have generally resisted engaging with or devolving any real power to localities.
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Top-down policies and programmes have been dominant and especially in areas such as planning, housing, services and regeneration.
This approach largely reflects the dominance of a centralised state and the paternalism of our politicians. As a result, residents have had very little say or are excluded altogether.
Often, their only recourse is to campaign or engage in peaceful protest.
This has been particularly the case in working-class communities.
I believe there should be a legal requirement to consult particularly on issues that impact significantly on residents. Power-holders will need to accept that community engagement is a highly complex and contentious process that will need resources, time and skilled experienced staff. Above all, it means surrendering some of their power. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN HOBAN,
Drimoleague,
Co Cork.