Government neglecting environment, claims architect

THE Department of the Environment is far more focused on planning and local government issues and is blatantly neglecting our environment, a leading architect and environmental awareness activist said yesterday.

Any green initiatives undertaken are done so under threat of fines from Europe and the link between politicians and the developer in Ireland is far too close for comfort, said architect Duncan Stewart yesterday.

“Yes, we have a good minister. Martin Cullen is doing a good job. But I don’t believe that our Government gives a damn about our environment. I don’t believe it has ever become a debate at Government level. It doesn’t come across that they care.