Roche says he has not seen M3 statement

Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has said he has not yet seen a statement signed by more than 200 academics worldwide expressing their concern with proposals for the M3 motorway route near the Hill of Tara.

The Minister, who is currently in the US, said when he saw the statement he would acknowledge it and respond, pointing out "precisely what the facts are".

The statement is due to be delivered to Leinster House today by UCD-based academic Edel Breathnach.

Ms Breathnach is one of a number of Irish-based academics who have already expressed disappointment with the selected route of the motorway.

The planned road passes close to the Hill of Tara and includes a major interchange at Blundlestown, close to the hill.

Speaking as he left yesterday, Mr Roche repeated earlier assertions that he had "made no decision on the issue as yet" and added that his position had been made clear by him in response to academics in the letters pages of The Irish Times.

Mr Roche revealed that two academics had visited him in his constituency clinic and he had replied to many letters and emails which had been received from academics and others - "even some that were quite vituperative".

According to Irish academics yesterday, a number of statements and letters are currently circulating seeking support for the campaign to alter the route of the motorway.

In a press release at the weekend, Ms Breathnach said some 220 academics had signed a statement by Sunday last.

The statement signatories were described as academics concerned with Celtic studies. It warns of the danger to Ireland's reputation internationally should the motorway go ahead.

Mr Roche said he had seen some letters signed by a number of academics but not one containing that number of signatories.

"When I get the letter I'll reply to it," he added.

The Minister has already received a report from the director of the National Museum, Dr Pat Wallace, which makes it clear Dr Wallace is against the chosen route and, in particular, the proposed interchange to the north of the Hill of Tara.