Priceless amenity or huge industrial site?

THE Port of Cork company’s plan to build a gigantic container terminal within the heavily populated Monkstown Bay area will change the perspective of Cork harbour from a priceless amenity to a huge industrial site.

While most ports are moving outside populated areas, this proposed development is different. It would brings noise and pollution and take away the quality of life of thousands of people living around the harbour.

The Strategic Infrastructure Act gives a vital tool to a developer at the expense both of the community and sound planning principles.

The act cuts out any meaningful participation by communities who are to host such facilities, and that of their elected representatives.

Community groups have a vested interest in fully evaluating applications for major facilities.

It is in their interest to evaluate the safety, health and environmental implications of such developments on their quality of life and that of their children and future generations.

In the planning process communities are uniquely positioned to identify problems because. This must not be undervalued in the planning process.

We cannot afford the erosion of our democracy. No developer should be given a legislative tool to challenge our heritage and destroy our environment in their own interest.

Mamie Bowen

Glenville

Monkstown

Co Cork