Environment plea over poor planning in coastal areas

CLEAR planning guidelines must be put in place for all new coastal and off-shore developments as poor building decisions are wreaking havoc with the environment, the country’s heritage watchdog said yesterday.

The Heritage Council called on Environment Minister Dick Roche to heed its warnings to protect Ireland’s maritime and coastal areas.

Beatrice Kelly from the Heritage Council said: “Ireland’s maritime and coastal heritage provides a vast array of wealth to the country, including food, tourism, amenity areas, ports, transport and protection from flooding. Greater national protection and a comprehensive management system needs to be put in place.