JUDY OSBORNE,
Madam, - I would like to reinforce the message in Roger Garland's letter (January 24th) regarding the need for people to participate in the protection of Bray Head.
As a member of the Wicklow County Council Strategic Policy Committee for Planning and Development, I am often struck by the fact that protection of special areas does not seem to be a planning priority. There would appear to be a distinct lack of political will to pursue the consideration of a special area amenity order for Bray Head.
Money had been set aside for the first investigative steps to be taken yet there has been no progress, nor is any likely in the foreseeable future. Indeed, there would seem to be more interest from some quarters in negotiating deals with landowners which, I suggest, would not be in the interest of the common good.
Council planners have indicated that existing designations will not ultimately be sufficient to protect Bray Head against development pressure yet it is precisely this pressure, in an area of north Wicklow which has experienced such rapid development in the past 10 years, that makes it so important to protect this beautiful natural resource.
Co Wicklow generally is an area of abundant natural amenity areas yet, in the built-up areas in the north of the county and the coastal region, it will clearly be necessary to specifically designate recreational and open space if everyone, without exclusion, is to have access to such life-enhancing facilities.
It is vital that people participate in the protection of their heritage and all that makes their area so special. Voters need to make sure that councillors bring this process back on line or the protection of Bray Head will remain on the long finger - until it is too late. - Yours, etc.,
JUDY OSBORNE,
Chairperson,
Wicklow Planning Alliance
Ashford,
Co Wicklow