News that the dispute over Carrickmines Castle could be resolved soon is welcome indeed. A medieval garrison fort set up to defend Dublin from attack, it was discovered during preparation of the Dublin ring road.
Excavation revealed an extensive and virtually complete site, which archaeologists have compared to Wood Quay in the city centre.
A classic confrontation between norms of preservation and development developed as the excavation unfolded. Much time and effort had already gone into compensating local interests and residents for the passage of the motorway, making the authorities highly reluctant to contemplate major changes in what had been agreed. Consultants were asked by the National Roads Authority and the local authority to contribute to a possible compromise. It appears from initial reaction last evening that they have managed to propose one that can satisfy both sets of interests.
It involves a roundabout and an interchange system that would save up to 60 per cent of the site, with possible further compromises allowing for an even greater preservation. It was immediately welcomed by the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, who listened carefully to a submission from An Taisce. That approach is welcome. It breaks with the confrontational tradition that has so often pitched conservationists against road and other developers without a proper basis of dialogue on shared values.
Planning legislation introduced since Wood Quay has made substantial progress in ensuring environmental and heritage concerns are protected and reconciled with the need to modernise the State's physical and transport infrastructure. But it did not cater for this case. If Carrickmines can be resolved satisfactorily an important precedent will have been set for further disputes over the same issues which are bound to arise in coming years. Political compromise based on a shared commitment to preservation and development is a formula that could with benefit be applied to other planning controversies.
There are an estimated 150,000 recognised archaeological sites throughout the State. In the nature of things new sites emerge continuously as road-building and other development work proceeds. Carrickmines became an issue because of its singular historical importance, which convinced professionals involved they had to make a stand. The solution proposed is original and the initial response raises hopes of an acceptable and workable compromise.