6th January 2004

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY EXPRESS CONCERN AT HIGH COURT DECISION ON CARRICKMINES CASTLE

The Green Party has expressed concern at today's High Court decision on Carrickmines Castle.

"Today's decision is a dangerous precedent", stated Green Party TD for Dun Laoghaire, Ciarán Cuffe, "This High Court decision allows the Minister for the Environment to be judge, jury and ultimately executioner regarding national heritage matters. "

Deputy Cuffe said that a compromise solution could have saved much more of the castle and allowed the road to proceed.

"Just a mile down the road at Lehaunstown, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is completely redesigning a junction on the M50 to facilitate development. Why can't this be done to safeguard the remains of Carrickmines Castle?"

ENDS/