A tunnel in the Glen of the Downs has been filled in and was probably there for two years, a spokesman for protesters against the planned dual carriageway through the Glen told the High Court yesterday.
Mr Michael Hammond said he was not even aware the tunnel had existed, although he had been involved in the campaign against the road scheme.
Mr Justice Kinlen yesterday granted an interlocutory order directing environmentalists to vacate lands owned by Wicklow County Council which will form part of the proposed dual carriageway. The order also restrains persons from preventing the council having full access to the lands.
Earlier this week the court granted a temporary restraining order against the protesters to Wicklow County Council. The council had expressed concerns about its recent discovery of a steel trapdoor set in concrete on the land acquired for the dual carriageway.
The court was told the council feared the trapdoor might conceal a tunnel and that its construction was ultimately intended by protesters to obstruct and delay the road scheme.
Any use of the tunnel would provide a considerable obstruction and impediment to any road works.