Blaming the private sector, not citizens, for the housing chaos

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While reform of the planning system is needed, scapegoating communities and blaming their planning conscientious objections is not the way to go.

lanning is just one link in the housing supply chain.

The main problem in housing supply is the reliance of governments on the private sector to provide adequate quality housing that is not functioning. There are thousands of building permits that are not executed because the profit margins are supposedly insufficient.

Such misguided housing policy allows the private construction sector to be in control. The developers have the government on a barrel.

A few high profile High Court cases in which local communities have appeared vindicated cannot be blamed for the failure of our housing policy.

Brendan Butler

Drumcondra, Dublin 9

The public can be proud of their support for the work of Concerns

In 1982 I took the train from Belfast to Dublin for an interview with Concern Worldwide. At 26, a law graduate and full of good intentions, I was lucky enough to be hired and part of an incredibly committed and diverse Concern team that worked in the refugee camps on the border between Thailand and Cambodia.

Seeing the professionalism and caring of our staff, I saw no reason to leave and my two-year mission became a lifetime commitment.

I have had the privilege of being part of and leading teams in response to many emergencies. Rwanda, Kosovo, Haiti, Darfur, it is in places like these, in the midst of the most difficult and inhumane situations, that I have seen most clearly the extraordinary resilience and humanity of people.

No two crises are the same, but Concerns focus has always worked with the communities most affected and engaged with them at every stage of their own recovery. This often happens in remote and insecure areas, but it is carried by a tidal wave of compassion and generosity from the people of Ireland, even when times are tough at home.

We never take this support for granted and before I step down as CEO, I would like to thank the Irish public from the bottom of my heart for continuing to support Concern.

Dominic MacSorley

Outgoing CEO, Concern Worldwide

Why our navy needs a fleet with teeth at least in name

I read in the Irish Independent (Coveney floats idea of ​​public naming contest for two new navy ships, 12 December) that one of the new ships in the Irish naval fleet might be named Bram Stocker? Why not go all the way and call him Dracula?

The next time the Russian fleet visits us, the sight of this warship will surely put them on a roll.

Gerryd Baohill

Fontenay-aux-Roses, France

The state should instead support population growth

Lorraine Courtney comments that if the government wants more babies to be born it must listen to the needs of expectant parents (Irish Independent, 12 December).

It must be pretty obvious that the government doesn’t want more children because it provides free contraceptives and abortions, and support for further increases in abortion here with efforts to remove the few restrictions that currently exist.

Does anyone remember the promise that abortion would be rare here after its legislation? There are also attempts to expand the grounds for subsequent abortions while no hearing is given to those who object.

All this despite the fall in population here with such disastrous consequences.

Mary Stuart

Ardeskin, Donegal Town

Going from bard to verse as far as writers go

Kudos to Tom Gilsenan for writing what must be the shortest letter in years (Irish Independent, Letters, December 13): Kane couldn’t.

It reminds me of perhaps the longest line of poetry I know, which said:

Once upon a time there was a bard from Japan,

Who wrote verses no one could read

His friends told him,

And he said yes I know,

but I always try to put as many words as possible in the last line.

Leo Gormley

Dundalk, County Louth

Argentina’s Lionel Messi was thrilled to watch against Croatia

Mesmerizing Messi magic. A joy to see.

Brian McDevitt

Glenties, County Donegal

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