Irish Examiner - 26-09-05
Why not engage locals in coastal policy issues?

WHAT if Government had engaged local communities in the formulation of coastal policy and adopted responsibility in local management practices.

Would the Rossport Five have ended up in jail?

If the Government had limited public responsibility for possible risks and damage and transferred it to the direct beneficiaries and investors, things would have been different.

In the case of Cork Harbour, there are so many similar aspects - Ispaat, and especially health. What if they had incorporated risk aspects into planning and investment policies, assessing costs and consequences of different policy options?

They would have raised public awareness, respect and understanding of the coastal environment and Cork harbour could have remained the best reception area in Europe.

Mamie Bowen
Glenville
Monkstown
Co Cork