Madam, - An Taisce is not a secret society.
In Gordon Deegan's article (June 21st) "An Taisce is criticised for confidential planning objections", An Taisce was described as "the only secret society that receives State recognition". I would like to strongly reject this sentiment. An Taisce is a broad church that is open to anyone who might wish to join and we value diversity of opinion.
An Taisce means "the Treasury". It is our function to provide a non-governmental position that seeks to protect Ireland's valuable treasures, both natural and built, for future generations. This is an important role.
It has been an ongoing scare tactic from the ranks of Fianna Fáil and other vested interests over the last few years that An Taisce is somehow against development in Ireland and in particular in rural Ireland.
This again is inaccurate and sensationalist. An Taisce is in fact seeking to promote proper planning and sustainable development in all parts of this country, both rural and urban.
In 1963, when the first planning legislation was introduced, the government identified about 20 organisations to become "prescribed bodies" under planning legislation. Such bodies include the Aviation Authority, the National Roads Authority, the Heritage Council, Fáilte Ireland and An Taisce, to mention but a few.
An Taisce is only non-governmental organisation in Ireland to have statutory "prescribed" status. In many other European countries, lots of environmental and other NGO groups have this function and in fact receive a subvention from the government for the work they do.
Under Article 28(1) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001,
An Taisce is entitled to be referred planning applications that may have a negative impact on areas of amenity value, archaeological, architectural and geological heritage, and areas of nature conservation.
We are requested to make comment on these applications and to highlight aspects of the development that may have a negative impact. This is a valuable function.
One third of Irish waterways are now polluted, CO2 emissions continue to climb unabated and our cities and towns continue to sprawl and are choked with traffic. These facts speak for themselves.
It is unsustainable land use and bad planning that are damaging Ireland's environment and An Taisce continues to highlight this.
So rather than "blaming the messenger", the Celtic Tiger is going to have to realise that sooner or later the Irish environment needs a strong voice to protect it for future generations. An Taisce is proud to have provided this voice for over 40 years now.- Yours, etc,
GAVIN HARTE, Director, An Taisce, Tailors' Hall, Back Lane, Dublin.