Madam, - On a recent visit to Co Donegal, I was appalled at the sight of new detached houses sprawled across this once beautiful countryside. I admit I have not been in these parts for some years, but I never expected to see such destruction carried out by the "built environment".
It appears to me that the planners have thrown in the towel, and decided to grant approval for any building so long as it had a pitched roof with dark tiles or slates and that the walls were rendered white or another pale colour. Do they honestly think that exonerates them from any blame for this rape of the Irish countryside?
They have killed the goose that laid the golden egg.
I could not believe what has happened to towns and villages like Port Salon, Downings or Rathmullen, with Ramelton partly saved by being given the designation of a Heritage Town. Such places, especially sited along the rugged, eye-catching, coastline, have been overpowered with houses built in a completely random layout, each one vying with the other to get that particular view. The amazing thing is that it is still happening, with building sites for sale all around! - Yours, etc.,
LARRY THOMPSON, Kinnegar Avenue, Holywood, Co Down.