Archaeological finds along the route of the controversial M3 motorway in Ireland are causing problems for planners who 'bulldozed' plans for the road through against local opposition.

Minister Dick Roche has replied to Celtic League concerns - see below:

"Dear Mr. Tal-e-bot,

I have been asked by Mr. Dick Roche, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to refer further to your email of 29th April 2007 in connection with the M3 motorway.

Firstly, I must point out that the approval of motorway schemes, including the route of the road, is a matter for An Bord Pleanála in accordance with the statutory procedures set out in the Roads Acts. This project went through a very rigorous planning process and the proposed route was determined by an open independent statutory process. The M3 motorway scheme, as prepared by Meath County Council and the NRA, was submitted to An Bord Pleanála in 2002 and was approved accordingly in August 2003, following an environmental impact assessment and a lengthy public oral hearing. Archaeology and a range of other relevant factors were addressed as part of this process and, prior to that, in the route selection process carried out by the NRA.

The role of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in respect of a road development, which has been approved by An Bord Pleanála, is limited to the issuing of Directions as to how archaeological works are to be carried out in connection with the approved route.

This procedure is designed to ensure that appropriate standards apply to the carrying out of such works. In this case all archaeological works carried out on the route of the M3 must be conducted in accordance with the legally binding Directions issued by the Minister on 11 May 2005.

Recently, as you may be aware, archaeological evidence has been discovered of a national monument at Lismullin, Co. Meath. The Minister has consulted with the Director of the Museum on the Directions that would be most appropriate in this instance from the point of view of best archaeological practice. No further excavation of the enclosure will take place pending the decision of the Minister on any Directions to issue in relation to the monument.

Yours sincerely,

____________ Cathy Bruton, Private Secretary"

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

15/05/07

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