A High Court case attempting to block the Government's plans to build the new M3 motorway close to the Hill of Tara was put back today pending a Supreme Court decision on another heritage site.
A judgement on the preservation of Carrickmines Castle, which delayed the building of the M50 around Dublin, is expected in October.
The Supreme Court case is a challenge to a 2004 High Court ruling, which found the State had a constitutional duty to protect national assets including historical monuments.
Today counsel for Vincent Salafia, who is bringing the Hill of Tara case against the Minister for Environment, Meath County Council and the Attorney General, argued that the Carrickmines case had a strong bearing on the Hill of Tara litigation.
Gerard Hogan SC, requested a trial date for October after receiving a schedule of works for excavations planned over the summer in the Tara Skryne valley.
"It would seem the immediate urgency of the case is no longer quite as present," he said.
High Court President Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan asked for the parties to return to set a trial date once the Carrickmines judgement had been delivered.
Following the case, Mr Salafia said he believed the works being done over the summer would not cause significant damage to the ancient historical site in the Hill of Tara complex.
"Obviously we're unhappy that the works are proceeding but we feel that it's better all of the issues are addressed in a full trial rather than a premature hearing which can affect the outcome," he said. "Full excavation of the critical national monuments will not be taking place in the immediate future."
PA