Sir, - Dr James Skelly tells us (February 22nd) that a law in Denmark, which restricts the ownership of holiday homes to Danish nationals, is regarded by some as a racist ploy to keep out their German neighbours.
The concern we feel in Donegal about the sprawl of hundreds of holiday homes across our scenic areas does not arise from racist feelings towards the owners, who are almost entirely from the island of Ireland. While we sympathise with their desire to share the beauties of our county, we are very unhappy about the situation for the following reasons:
Our young cannot afford starter homes. New houses in scenic areas command high prices beyond their financial means;
Little white notices looking for planning permission abound in areas such as Malin Head - its wild landscape is part of everyone's national heritage. A fair number are getting permission, mostly for holiday building. Other areas of natural beauty are also under threat;
When the holiday people go home an unreal community of empty houses is often left all winter.
Cannot the Department of Environment - or anyone else - come up with an enforceable idea to halt the despoliation of our countryside, while at the same time welcoming our visitors and providing accommodation for them? - Yours, etc.,
Joy McCormack, Greencastle, Co. Donegal.