This article is from page 17 of the 2006-10-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
AN TAISCE has been forced to withdraw an objection against a planning application for the second time in three months in Clare after concerns were expressed over the accuracy of the objection by a developer.
Last July, An Taisce withdrew its objection against a planned extension by journalist, Fintan O’Toole to his holiday home in Ballyvaughan after labelling his proposal ‘criminal’.
Now, the Director of An Taisce, Gavin Harte has informed Kilkee architect, Tom Byrne that the association is withdrawing its objection against Mr Byrne’s planned development for the erection of a single terrace of six, two storey holiday homes in Kilkee, because An Taisce’s Head Office found its submission by the Clare Association “not of a necessary standard”.
In a letter to the secretary of the Clare Association of An Taisce, Anny Wise, Mr Byrne a former member of the Dublin City Association of An Taisce, described the An Taisce submission as “wild and illconsidered”.
In the submission, An Taisce stated that it was objecting under a number of headings, pointing out that large estates of holiday homes needed good access and services.
In response, Mr Byrne wrote: “What exactly do you mean by this bland statement?
“The density proposed here is well within the guidelines set out in the West Clare Local Area Plan and the Clare County Development Plan. How does a scheme of six terraced houses constitute ‘a large development’?”
Arising from An Taisce’s decision to withdraw the application, Mr Byrne told Mr Harte: “I have no problem with observations/objections to any development, but when such an inaccurate submission is made on behalf of An Taisce then the process becomes farcical and potentially costly to the applicant.
“I trust the ongoing ill-informed submissions by the ‘local association’ will cease . . .
“I also trust that the ‘cut and paste’ and ill-judged mentality of such submissions will soon be a thing of the past. Such submissions needlessly add to the growing disregard which some have for An Taisce and their efforts.”
The Byrne plan is facing opposition from a number of local residents.
Advising that An Tasice withdraw its submission, Mr Harte said: “However we intend to monitor this application and in the unlikely event that the local authority decide to approve planning, it may be appropriate for An Taisce to make an observation on an appeal to such approval.”