Add params check of directory

This MR creates a sanity check for the params directory. In case it doesn't exist, the application now fails and tells the reason in a readable manner.

added RTA label

@dcampora did you forget to commit and push to the branch? I don't see any commits in this MR.

mentioned in issue Moore#563 (closed)

mentioned in issue Moore#574 (closed)

resolved all threads

closed