James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Applicants have lost considerable money in applying for planning permission. Organisations such as An Taisce are not qualified to properly investigate the merits of each application. Nevertheless, they are allowed to work an inside track to dictate what they consider is best for our countryside and therefore appeal against any development they choose to. The Minister should introduce whatever ministerial directive it takes to remove such personnel. Members of the public are fed up of being herded into towns and villages to suit the notions of stubborn people in some of those organisations.