State must end practice of land ‘patronage’

Over the last 25 years the Government sells off State-owned land and buildings that realise money in the short term, and on which builders can build unregulated (think “pyrite”) commercial and private dwelling buildings to yield a nice profit.

But the Government services bereft of a residence, need a new location, and proceed to then lease property off the building/speculator/banking/pension fund/business fraternity often at an inflated price (which dictates commercial rents) and this is long-term denudation of State funds (taxes).

Looks suspiciously like patronage to me — the majority of the Dáil looking after a small elite. Why? For a few crumbs of funding for their political parties? Potentially for a wad of walking-around money that doesn’t last long? Maybe to disperse some building jobs to constituents? Now, it doesn’t add up. These TDs bring their county council mind set to the Dáil, and are happy to push the envelope in illegality, but no more. Most people are of the belief, innocent unless proven guilty. But for me when it comes to people who have power, the assumption should be they are corrupt (whether through intent or incompetence) unless there are systems and practices in place that leave the individual or group above suspicion.

It doesn’t pay to be a whistle-blower in this State. You will be alienated, run down in character, work conditions will deteriorate, and opportunities of promotion will be closed.

The “patronage” should stop now, so compulsory purchase land at agricultural prices can be used because of the perilous state of the nation’s coffers.

The owner of the land would grumble at the price obtained, but as other green-field sites around the town develop, a tax can be imposed on them (taking into account inflation) and this money transferred to the owner at an agreed fair price.

Jemmy Barron

Dundalk Homeless Hostel

Co Louth.