This article is from page 2 of the 2006-07-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
AN TAISCE has been forced into an embarrassing climbdown and withdrawn its objection to the proposal by journalist Fintan O’Toole to more than quadruple the size of his second home south of Ballyvaughan, after coming under sustained attack in the Seanad for labelling the plan “criminal”.
The organisation’s director, Gavin Harte, said that An Taisce would like to unreservedly apologise to Mr O’Toole, pointing out that the submission describing the plan as “criminal” was made by the Clare Association of An Taisce and was made “without the knowledge and approval of head office”.
Mr Harte said, “An Taisce would agree with Mr O’Toole when he kindly suggested that the language used in this submission was wildly disproportionate. For this reason, An Taisce has instructed the Clare Association to withdraw their submission.”
Mr Harte explained that submissions from local associations of An Taisce “sometimes reflect a more emotional expression of planning matters as they are felt locally. Where this occurs and it comes to the attention of head office, it is the policy of An Taisce to request that the local association withdraw such submissions”.
However, while the second submission has been withdrawn, it has emerged that the initial submission remains on file.
The author of both submissions, Secretary of the Clare Association, Anny Wise, declined to comment on the language in the second submission that resulted in the storm of protest.
Commenting on the withdrawal of the objection and An Taisce’s apology, Fintan O’Toole said, “I’m very happy to accept An Taisce’s apology, which was gracious and unqualified. I never believed that the vast majority of people in Ballyvaughan had any great problem with our plans, and all the messages we’ve had from there have been sympathetic and supportive.
“Obviously, the lesson for An Taisce is that the legitimate case for sensitive planning needs to be made in a calm and rational way and I’m sure the organisation will learn from this unfortunate episode.” A decision is expected on the application later this year.