Roads body embraces M3 report

An EU parliament report on the M3 motorway has been welcomed as "a vindication of our position" by the National Roads Authority (NRA).

Last week the report by the parliament's petitions committee was welcomed by opponents of the route of the M3, many of whom said it vindicated their opposition to the road.

The petitions committee visited Ireland after complaints on environmental issues including the M3 and the proposed Poolbeg incinerator, among other issues.

The NRA maintains that the report was a vindication of its position as well as that of Meath County Council.

Spokesman Sean O'Neill quoted from the report section dealing with the M3 to the effect that: "It is however apparent and quite clear that the authorities fulfilled their obligations under EIA Directives inasmuch as they clearly identified alternative options for the road".

While the report found significate new discoveries, notably at Lismullin, were a problem for the authorities, Mr O'Neill pointed out the report found: "everything indicates that the planners acted diligently in assessing the practical options given the knowledge available at the time. Both geophysical and magnetometer surveys were conducted which, it turned out, led to the discovery of the Lismullin site". Mr O'Neill said is was the NRA itself which first recommended Lismullin be designated a national monument.

Mr O'Neill added: "Yet again it has been confirmed by the EU that the NRA and Meath County Council have behaved entirely properly throughout this process."

The committee was assisted in its visit by Irish MEP Kathy Sinnott, who last week quoted the report as saying "Ireland's natural environment is not respected" and described the findings as "music to my ears".