Sir, – I read John Goode’s insightful letter (Small towns – a looming crisis, Letters to the Editor, April 22nd) published in your newspaper at a rather opportune time. Small towns provide the benefit of short distances, public amenities, homes of character, integrated food chains and social interaction opportunities.
Approval of planning permissions by local authorities for isolated rural housing remains indefensible given our present environmental crisis. As specified in our National Development Plan for 2021-2030, we are supposed to be working towards becoming a society resilient to changes in climate and one which doesn’t contribute further to climate change.
Unfortunately, initiatives like the Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant remain inaccessible if the ownership over derelict and unoccupied structures isn’t traceable.
The application of dereliction tax on unoccupied buildings may stimulate the release of said properties for potential buyers and concurrently lower the commercial rates for your letter writer. – Yours sincerely,
Salman Rushdie says, ‘The primary thought that enters my mind each morning is the fact I lack my right eye.’
BEN Mc CABE,
Dublin 6.