Dear Editor,
Your report (Galway Independent 5 Dec) and a recent Irish Times item entitled "Call for tourism industry to go greener" (Nov 28th). Reminded me that it must be the third year running that I have read of Failte Ireland's appeals to the nation, indicating the organisations "pro-environment position on issues related to planning." Shaun Quinn (CEO) must have a 'cut & paste' version of this annual statement diaried into his computer, ready-to-go at any time!

I have to say that there is precious little evidence of Failte Ireland's "advocacy for the adoption of high environmental standards" to be seen here in the city of Galway.

Earlier this year (2nd January 07), Liam Reid reported that "Failte Ireland has emerged as one of the most active State bodies in the planning process in the past 12 months" claiming that the State tourism agency made submissions on planning applications that effect the environment at the rate of "one a week."

An Taisce, on the other hand, a non-government voluntary body with no huge executive wage bill, make literally hundreds of detailed planning submissions per annum in Galway city alone.

Just at the moment, and for some years past, we have been campaigning on the dire quality of city centre shop fronts in Galway's main trading streets. I have yet to see any submission from Failte Ireland protesting about the deteriorating quality of our "historic towns" as their blurb suggests.

Galway City Council have been made aware that in Dublin, at least 20 examples of convenience store's such as SPAR, CENTRA and LONDIS type of supermarket, "which are showing an increasing contempt and disregard for our planning laws and requirements" together with their obtrusive, gaudy facades. Are being pursued through the planning system by An Taisce. In Galway, similar examples are contributing to the ruination of our historic streetscapes. These issues should be pursued by the planning authority and Failte Ireland with vigour - but so far these bodies are not showing any interest.

Last February twelve month (06), the nation heard that Failte Ireland had set up an environmental unit with a capacity to make "three detailed submissions a week on planning cases." Might I suggest that they get their finger out before we lose all the character our once proud city centre possessed, and visitors cease to see any reason to come.

Until this is done, we see no reason to waste more tax-payers money attracting increased visitor numbers.Your own report suggests a 30 per cent increase, only to have them commenting on how trashy Galway's streetscapes have become.

Yours etc.,

Derrick Hambleton
Chairman
An Taisce - Galway Association
Kingston
Galway.

ps., On being presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Arts last week at NUIG. Actor Gabriel Byrne remarked that he, "had always had a problem with the planners and the lack of sympathy shown for the environment in Galway." Most notable was his disappointment for the result of the recent Eyre Square enhancement. Where he commented "I don't know what they were doing in Eyre Square for two to three years - I don't think it looks any more aesthetically pleasing than it was before they started." (from IT 28th Nov 07). Time for the planning authorities and Failte Ireland to sit up and take notice we think

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