A Chara, - As a Navan commuter I would like to voice my dismay regarding the proposed route of the M3 through the Tara Skryne Valley, and all the project delays that this route will inevitably entail.
I support the M3 and need it to travel to work in Dublin. However, historical and archaeological considerations will ensure this road will not be built for years.
Going through this valley is akin to crawling into an archaeological lobster pot. The road may go in but it will never get out because it will hit site after archaeological site, each requiring work to stop because of legal challenges and archaeological digs.
We need the M3 now, but it must be routed around Tara and Skryne. To those who argue that there isn't an alternative route, I say: please stop treating Meath's commuters as fools. - Is mise,
PROINSIAS MAC FHEARGHUSA, Navan, Co Meath.
Madam, - I was puzzled by the entry of Michael O'Grady into the lists on behalf of the NRA in the Tara/M3 controversy (January 18th). Why is Headfort Golf Club involving itself in a matter of major local and national controversy? Does the NRA need all the champions it can get?
As a former resident of Kells forced back to Dublin by the lack of proper transport infrastructure, I agree wholeheartedly with Mr O'Grady about the desperate need for bypasses and the frustration of commuters. I cannot, however, agree with his support for the NRA plans to destroy an area of major national and international archaeological importance when there are preferable alternative routes. Nor am I aware of any discussion of the issue at agm or egm level which would entitle Mr O'Grady to speak on behalf of Headfort Golf Club. He may well have canvassed opinion locally but he does not speak for this member. - Yours, etc.,
MYLES DUNGAN, Sandyford, Dublin 18.
Madam, - The issue of the M3 Motorway will continue to generate plenty of heat and precious little light as long as people insist on avoiding the obvious. The NRA and the Government are following their usual policy of dividing and conquering by saying you are either for us or against us. This is not the case. The vast majority of people who know anything at all about this matter are totally in favour of a new road but opposed to the proposed route.
The Government have radically misjudged public opinion on this matter, and should avoid further delays by changing the route as soon as possible and getting on with building the M3. It may regret doing otherwise. - Yours, etc.,
Declan Kenny, Leixlip, Co Kildare.