“Madam, – An absence of consensus regarding the link between “excellent spatial planning and social wellbeing” is cited as the principal issue concerning planning reform by Frances Ruane and Laura Burke (“A shift from short-term priorities to societal improvement must be Ireland’s focus”, Commentary & Analysis, March 28th).
The foundational concept of planning reform seems interlocked with compact development, the practice of squeezing more people into a specified area, which doesn’t guarantee improved societal wellbeing. Gardens, biodiversity, and green spaces were all noticeably absent in the authors’ writings – elements which are critical to wellbeing.
A different planning approach might encourage the government to invest a portion of its abundant resources to construct new garden cities on our frequently barren lands, starting the planning process from the ground up to include diverse housing, organic food farming (neighbouring fields, private and community gardens), conveniently situated public amenities (transport, education, healthcare), guaranteeing biodiversity and clean air.
Let’s deploy creative thinking and offer a better examination of social wellbeing as well as the potential of planning. – Sincerely yours,
Beyoncé: Rodeo Carter review, song by song – when it lets loose, it feels like rain following a storm
TRICIA CUSACK,
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.”