Madam, - In response to Conor Newman (October 9th) I would like to point out that rather than "rid the Tara landscape" of archaeological sites the current archaeological work has added 38 new sites, none of which were known about before our work because they were hidden beneath the ground with no visible presence in the landscape.
Meath has attracted settlement for thousands of years due to its fertile lands and each generation has changed the landscape, hiding many sites which only archaeological investigation today can locate.
He dismisses the planned M3 as an "ill-conceived development", but acknowledges himself that there are huge traffic problems along the existing N3. It can hardly be "ill-conceived" to address this problem on behalf of the population while having full regard to all planning and environmental statutory obligations.
Again it is suggested that we ignored our advisers and again I must point out that this is simply not the case. The decision to move the road further from the Hill of Tara than the existing N3 should be welcomed.
In relation to the predicted costs Conor Newman has seemingly misunderstood the report in your edition of October 5th: the cost of all archaeological work on the whole 60-kilometre M3 road from Clonee to north of Kells is currently estimated to be between €20 and €30 million maximum. This figure includes the recent extensive test excavations, further geophysical survey and other archaeological investigations, forthcoming excavations, post-excavation research and full publication of the results on the whole scheme, not just the Dunshaughlin-Navan section.
This money will provide tangible benefits to the country while at the same time bringing to light knowledge and artefacts that might otherwise have remained forgotten. This is a responsible and balanced approach to the complex undertaking of building our future while protecting our past. - Yours, etc.,
MARY DEEVY, Project Archaeologist, National Roads Design Office, Meath County Council, Navan.
Madam, - I have never known the archaeological profession to be as united as it is at present over the desecration at Tara. The only archaeologists I have heard speaking in favour of the road are the NRA's own in-house ones and I suspect that even they may hold different opinions in private. All archaeologists are aware that rescue archaeology in advance of development is not best practice.
Conor Newman (October 9th) is correct to call the current mess wilful bad planning, but I would suggest that it is not entirely the fault of the NRA. Surely An Bord Pleanála bears some responsibility for this fiasco? Its weak-kneed, unquestioning acceptance of whatever road plans are put before it shows that it is simply the Government's rubber-stamping department, completely lacking the independence it is supposed to have. - Yours, etc.,
BRIAN HODKINSON, MIAI, Annaholty, Birdhill, Co Tipperary.