Evening Echo - 06-07-05
Seascapes with Tom McSweeney

Democracy when it suits the suits

Outrage was expressed by residents of Cork Harbour to me this week at the statement of the Transport Minister, Martin Cullen, alleging that those who continue to oppose projects after a planning decision has been made, are taking millions from the pockets of taxpayers.

But, readers have pointed out - what about the situation in Cork Harbour, where 25,000 people won their case at the planning enquiry againist the Indaver toxic waste incinerator? The Bord Pleanala Inspector recommended in their favour against permission for the incinerator. But then the board of Bord Pleanala stamped out democracy.

Having been appointed by the government, the Bord's Chairman, rejected his Inspector's advice, effectively doing what his boss the Minister wanted, irrespective of public opinion and democracy. The views of 25,000 people were thrown aside. That is not democracy.