Roche outlines conditions for controversial M3 road

The Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has cleared the way for the National Roads Authority to begin building the controversial M3 motorway through the Tara-Skryne valley despite objections placed by environmental campaigners and academics.

Work can start on the site once local authorities carry out a series of archaeological excavations as outlined at a press briefing in Dublin by Mr Roche today.

Mr Roche detailed a series of digs that must be carried out by Meath County Council between Dunshaughlin and Navan before building can begin.

"The directions which I have given represent a measured approach. They are both comprehensive and onerous. They protect heritage. But do not deny the people of Meath and the surrounding counties the modern transport infrastructure that they need" Mr Roche told journalists.

He said the NRA had proposed an alternative lighting scheme for the planned interchange at Blundelstown, a mile north of Tara, which has attracted particular criticism.

He claimed the M3 project had been "through a very rigorous planning process".

"The proposed route has been determined by an open independent statutory process. It was the subject of a lengthy oral hearing after which An Bord Pleanála approved the route."

Mr Roche said that it was for An Bord Pleanála and not him to approve the motorway itself.

The project was approved by An Bord Pleanála two years ago, however, it was immediately met with protests from archaeologists and historians who argue the project would destroy one of Ireland's best known heritage sites.

Mr Roche said he found it 'odd' that some opponents of the scheme had only made their objections known after hearings were held over a 28-day period.

Academics from Ireland and abroad have pleaded with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Mr Roche, asking them to change the current route.

More than 200 academics wrote to the Taoiseach and the Minister last month "seeking to avoid a cultural calamity that will bring shame on Ireland".

Mr Roche refuted allegations that he had rebuffed the director of the National Museum, Dr Pat Wallace, who was part of a formal consultation process.

He said he did not reject any reports and that he would be meeting with Dr Wallace tomorrow.

Dr Wallace outlined his opposition to the route in an 18-page submission, in particular a major interchange close to the Hill of Tara and Mr Roche claimed

"The Government cannot hide behind archaeological, transport and legal reasons in favour of this route any more," the statement said.