Sir, - Fiona Orme (October 17th) expresses some concern about the planning process and the effect the economic boom is having on her native county, Donegal.
She states that "cross-Border initiatives" are bringing prosperity to the county but that "conservation areas should be protected" and we should be aware of the "environmental cost". I would agree with her that Donegal is a famously beautiful place and I would also believe her concern for the county is justified.
I wonder if Ms Orme is aware that an interpretative centre in Burt, Co Donegal has been approved for a grant of £250,000 from INTERREG (a European initiative which awards grants for cross-Border and inter-regional schemes). This same interpretative centre has a planning application lodged with Donegal County Council to build houses in the largely native woods in Burt. Only 2 per cent of Ireland native woods remain. Should we subsidise their destruction with European grants? - Yours, etc.,
Michael McGuire, Garvery, Burnfoot, Co Donegal.