Sir, - I was disappointed that a letter which so distorted the facts as the one titled "North Kildare Development", written by John Colgan, appeared in your distinguished letters page (July 29th).
I was quoted several times on the position I took on both the Leixlip and Maynooth Development Plans, as they relate to residential rezoning. I am among those he accuses of rezoning 700 acres that is simply untrue. The position I took on the Leixlip Plan was to support zonings along the lines recommended by the senior executive planner, based on population trends - that was, in the order of 60 acres in one location.
Again, in Maynooth, I took the same advice and used the same criteria supporting just over 100 acres in three main areas. I felt this would be sufficient to cater for the residential needs of both areas in the coming years. So you will see that there is quite a gap, between what I am accused of supporting, and what I actually supported.
In line with my belief that we produce these plans in partnership with the communities we present, the branches of Democratic Left in the area published a number of newsletters giving a synopsis of the plan, including what I supported and why, so that both the communities in Leixlip and Maynooth would be well aware of the position I have taken. The Celbridge plan has not as yet been produced, although he states it has, but I am on public record as stating that there is sufficient land zoned from the last plan, when I was not on the council, and I will not support further residential rezonings.
Mr Colgan is a member of the PDs. Seemingly he omits to mention this, or the position his party in the county has taken on this issue. together with their support for most of the rezonings which regard as grossly excessive. Communities in Kildare, and particularly North Kildare, which are facing this issue do not need misinformation, and I deplore that kind of politics. - Yours, etc.,
Democratic Left,
Leixlip Park,
Leixlip, Co Kildare.