Sir, – The Government has provided the draft of a new Planning and Development Bill designed to restrict community groups and NGOs like ourselves from challenging the State through our court system (“Environmentalists say proposed Bill makes it harder to object to planning decisions”, News, November 13th). Amongst the draconian proposals, individuals and community groups will be particularly disadvantaged by, among other things, more restrictive requirements for “standing” to bring cases. Limiting costs that can be awarded to successful litigants will make pro bono work even more problematic in Ireland. And harder too for seeking rights – the right to see court documents once cases are closed – or even the basic right to legal aid we are seeking for those defending the environment. It is that knowledge which underpins everyday economic and social relations.” – Yours, etc,TONY LOWES,Friends of theIrish Environment,Eyeries,Co Cork.

Source: The Irish Times November 19, 2019 00:11 UTC