29 August 2002

PRESS RELEASE

GREENS ACCUSE MINISTER BRENNAN OF SPONSORING CARRICKMINES CASTLE DESTRUCTION

The Green Party has accused the Minister for Transport, Seamus Brennan,  of failing to prevent the destruction of the medieval remains of Carrickmines Castle in South Dublin.

Green Party Environment spokesperson, Ciaran Cuffe T.D., has expressed his dismay at the abrupt termination of the archaeological dig which is due to stop work this Friday, 30 August 2002. “This move will now allow extensive remains of the Castle to be obliterated by the South Eastern Motorway.”

“All that the Greens are asking is for is that Minister Brennan and the National Roads Authority (NRA) make minor changes in the access roads and junction layout so that a larger part of the castle complex can be preserved. We believe that these changes would not require a new public inquiry and could be carried out in a matter of months. This solution does not require additional lands.”

“What is really happening here is that the large roundabout alignment appears to be designed in order to service the Jackson Way lands that were questionably rezoned by Dublin County Council. This roundabout will be placed on top of part of the castle remains.”

“On the eve of National Heritage Week we accuse Minister Brennan of monumental insensitivity in his handling of this internationally significant site. How can we accuse the Taliban of insensitivity in blowing up Buddhist statues when here in Ireland the Minister intends running a motorway through the heart of a medieval castle? Over 80% of the defensive wall surrounding the Castle will now be buried or demolished.”

INFORMATION

Ciarán Cuffe, TD            087 265 2075 / 6183082